Voting under way for Manjalpur byelection in Gujarat
Voting has commenced for the Manjalpur Assembly byelection in Gujarat, India, following the death of long-time BJP MLA Yogesh Patel. Voters are choosing between BJP candidate Satish Govindbhai Patel and Congress nominee Bhikhabhai Rabari, with results expected on August 3.
Why it matters
This byelection is significant for local political stability in Vadodara and serves as a test of voter sentiment following the passing of a prominent eight-term legislator.
Voting began on Thursday (July 30, 2026) for the byelection to the Manjalpur Assembly seat in Gujarat’s Vadodara district, with polling being held to decide the fate of two candidates in the fray.
Polling began at 7 a.m. and will continue till 6 p.m., while counting of votes will take place on August 3, according to the office of the Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).
The bypoll was necessitated by the death of senior BJP MLA and former Gujarat minister Yogesh Patel on June 2 after a prolonged illness.
The ruling BJP has fielded former Vadodara Municipal Corporation councillor Satish Govindbhai Patel, while the Congress has nominated its Gujarat Vice-President and former minister Bhikhabhai Rabari.
According to the CEO’s office, all administrative, security and technical arrangements have been completed to ensure free, fair and transparent polling.
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