BJP Holds Early Leads in Datia and Manjalpur as Jan Suraaj Surges

A 1,184-vote margin for Ashutosh Tiwari in Madhya Pradesh signals a strong start for the BJP, while political strategist Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party has disrupted the traditional power structure in Bihar, securing a notable lead in the Bankipur constituency during the early counting of assembly by-election votes.

Editorial·August 3, 2026·reads: 2,044

BJP Holds Early Leads in Datia and Manjalpur as Jan Suraaj Surges

In Datia, BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari currently holds 4,551 votes against the 3,367 votes cast for Congress rival Ghanshyam Singh. BJP leader Narottam Mishra dismissed the competition, highlighting the shifting allegiances of his opponent, Rajendra Bharti. The Datia seat became a focal point of this electoral cycle after Bharti faced disqualification earlier this year under the Representation of the People Act.

Prashant Kishor is marking a significant debut for the Jan Suraaj Party in Bihar. By the second round of counting in Bankipur, Kishor reached 3,795 votes, establishing an 1,161-vote cushion over the BJP’s Neeraj Kumar. The RJD’s Rekha Kumari trails significantly in third place. This vacancy emerged following the resignation of Nitin Nabin in March 2026.

In Gujarat, the political landscape remains stable for the ruling party. Satendrabhai Patel maintains a consistent lead in the Manjalpur constituency, a seat left vacant following the death of Yogeshbhai Narandas Patel in June. Election Commission data confirms that these polls, held on July 30, serve to fill vacancies across three states for the remainder of the current assembly terms.