Monday Blues for BJP? Prashant Kishor Eyes Historic Debut Win as Congress Holds Firm in Datia, BJP Leads in Gujarat

The counting of votes for three key Assembly by-elections on Monday has produced three distinct political narratives across Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.

While Prashant Kishor appears poised to script history with a possible maiden electoral victory for his Jan Suraaj party in Bankipur, the Congress is comfortably ahead in Datia, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) looks set to retain Manjalpur in Gujarat.

The bypoll results are being closely watched as they could offer an early indication of the political mood ahead of future state and national contests.

Prashant Kishor Nears Landmark Victory in Bankipur

The spotlight remains firmly on Bankipur, where political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor is contesting his first election.

According to the latest counting trends, Kishor was leading by 6,419 votes after 11 rounds of counting, putting him in a strong position to secure Jan Suraaj’s first-ever Assembly seat.

A victory would be particularly significant considering the party’s disappointing performance in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, when it contested 238 seats but failed to win a single constituency.

It would also end the BJP’s nearly three-decade dominance in Bankipur, a seat the party has held continuously since 1995.

Congress Maintains Comfortable Lead in Datia

In Madhya Pradesh’s Datia Assembly constituency, the Congress has maintained a comfortable advantage throughout the counting process.

Congress candidate Ghanshyam Singh has stayed ahead of his rivals, indicating that the party is likely to retain the seat if current trends continue.

The bypoll has so far shown little indication of a major swing, with the Congress maintaining its lead across successive rounds of counting.

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BJP Set to Retain Manjalpur

Meanwhile, the BJP has remained firmly in control in Manjalpur, Gujarat.

Party candidate Satish Patel has established a commanding lead over Congress nominee Bhikhabhai Rabari.

According to the latest figures, Patel secured 37,542 votes, while Rabari received 16,040 votes, giving the BJP candidate a lead of 21,502 votes.

If the trend holds, the BJP will comfortably retain the constituency.

Three States, Three Different Political Stories

Although only three Assembly seats are at stake, the bypolls have attracted considerable political attention due to the broader implications.

For Jan Suraaj, a victory in Bankipur would provide the fledgling party with its first legislative breakthrough and significantly boost Prashant Kishor’s political credibility.

For the Congress, retaining Datia would reinforce its organisational strength in Madhya Pradesh.

For the BJP, holding on to Manjalpur would underline its continued dominance in Gujarat despite strong opposition campaigns.

With counting still underway, the final results are awaited, but early trends suggest that each state is telling a different political story—making these bypolls one of the most closely watched contests of the season.