Bypolls in Bihar, MP, Gujarat on July 30: EC Sets Date for Three Assembly Seats

The Election Commission of India on Thursday announced that by-elections will be held for three assembly constituencies in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat on July 30. The counting of votes will take place on August 3.

The three seats are Bankipur in Bihar, Datia in Madhya Pradesh, and Manjalpur in Gujarat. According to the Election Commission, the bypolls were necessitated due to different reasons: the seat in Bankipur fell vacant after its sitting MLA was elected to the Rajya Sabha; the Datia seat became vacant following the death of the incumbent; and the Manjalpur seat was vacated after the MLA was disqualified following a conviction in a criminal case.

Of the three seats, two were held by the Bharatiya Janata Party (Bankipur and Manjalpur) and one by the Indian National Congress (Datia).

The election schedule, as announced by the Commission, sets the last date for filing nominations as July 12. Scrutiny of nominations will be done on July 13, and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is July 15. The polling will be conducted from 7 am to 6 pm on July 30.

The bypolls are significant for the ruling parties in the respective states, as they will test their popularity amid ongoing political developments. In Bihar, the Mahagathbandhan government under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar faces a challenge from the BJP-led NDA. In Madhya Pradesh, the Congress hopes to retain the Datia seat, while the BJP aims to regain it. In Gujarat, the BJP will look to hold on to the Manjalpur seat, though the margins of victory in recent bypolls have been a point of analysis.

The Election Commission has urged political parties and candidates to strictly follow the Model Code of Conduct and adhere to COVID-19 protocols during the campaign and on polling day. The Commission also directed all state authorities to ensure free and fair elections.

Voters in these constituencies are advised to check their names in the electoral rolls and carry a valid photo ID to the polling booth. The Election Commission has also made provisions for home voting for elderly and disabled voters, subject to prior registration.