Straws in the wind: On the Bankipur, Datia and Manjalpur by-elections
Recent by-elections in three Indian states show mixed results for the BJP, including a notable loss for the party in Bankipur to Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party. The analysis suggests these results reflect local factors rather than a definitive national trend.
Why it matters
The results provide insight into the shifting political landscape in India and the potential emergence of new political entities challenging established parties.
The by-elections held on July 30, 2026 in three Assembly constituencies across three Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled States threw up some surprises, but it may be risky to read them as indicators of any definitive or enduring political trend. Still, Bankipur in Bihar, Datia in Madhya Pradesh and Manjalpur in Gujarat were among the most closely watched electoral contests. Though involving only three seats, the results were significant, offering clues about regional political currents, the strength of major parties and the prospects of emerging political formations. These were also the first electoral tests after student protests forced the BJP to remove Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on July 25. The most consequential result came from Bankipur. The seat fell vacant after BJP national president Nitin Nabin resigned following his election to the Rajya Sabha.
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