ECI Issues Notification for July 30 Assembly Bypolls in Bihar, MP and Gujarat

July 6, 2026

New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday issued the official notification for by-elections to three Assembly constituencies in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, with polling scheduled for July 30 and counting of votes on August 3.

The Commission said the entire election process will be completed by August 4.

Nomination Process Begins

According to the poll schedule, candidates can file their nomination papers until July 13. Scrutiny of nominations will take place on July 14, while the last date for withdrawal of candidature is July 16.

Polling will be conducted on July 30, and votes will be counted on August 3.

Vacancies in Three Assembly Constituencies

The bypolls will be held for the Bankipur Assembly seat in Bihar, Datia in Madhya Pradesh, and Manjalpur in Gujarat.

The Bankipur seat fell vacant after BJP leader Nitin Nabin resigned as an MLA following his election to the Rajya Sabha in April. He was appointed the BJP’s national president in January.

The Manjalpur Assembly constituency became vacant after the death of BJP MLA Yogeshbhai Narandas Patel in June.

The Datia Assembly seat fell vacant after Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti was disqualified following his conviction in a bank scam case.

EVMs, VVPATs to Be Used

The ECI said polling at all booths will be conducted using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units.

The Commission reiterated that the Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) will remain the primary identity document for voting. However, Aadhaar, passports, driving licences, PAN cards, MGNREGA job cards and other approved government-issued identity documents will also be accepted.

The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into immediate effect in the three Assembly constituencies following the announcement of the election schedule.

The poll panel also reminded political parties and candidates to comply with existing rules requiring disclosure of criminal antecedents through newspapers, television, official websites and social media platforms. Candidate information will also be available on ECINET under the “Know Your Candidates” section.

Additionally, candidates who have occupied government accommodation during the past 10 years have been advised to obtain the mandatory No Dues Certificate covering rent and utility charges as per the Commission’s guidelines.