The Election Commission has formally announced the by-election for the Manjalpur Vidhan Sabha constituency in Vadodara. Polling will take place on July 30, 2026, with counting and results scheduled for August 3, 2026.
The seat fell vacant following the death of senior BJP MLA Yogesh Patel, who represented the constituency for eight consecutive terms. A veteran leader with deep roots in Vadodara politics, Patel first won from the Raopura seat and continued his winning streak from Manjalpur after delimitation. He secured a decisive victory in the 2022 Gujarat Assembly elections, cementing his reputation as one of the most popular and influential legislators in the region.
Election Schedule
Notification: July 6, 2026
Last date for filing nominations: July 13, 2026
Scrutiny of nominations: July 14, 2026
Last date for withdrawal of candidatures: July 16, 2026
Date of poll: July 30, 2026
Counting of votes & results: August 3, 2026
The Model Code of Conduct has come into immediate effect across the constituency. District election authorities have begun preparations, including EVM checks and other logistical arrangements, to ensure smooth conduct of the by-poll.
Political Context
This is the second by-election in Gujarat within a short span, following the Umreth seat by-poll earlier this year, which the BJP retained. Manjalpur has long been a BJP stronghold under Yogesh Patel’s leadership.
With the next Gujarat Vidhan Sabha elections expected in December 2027, this by-poll is being closely watched as an early indicator of political mood and organisational strength in urban Vadodara.
Political parties have started internal discussions on candidates. The BJP is expected to announce its nominee soon, with several local leaders’ names circulating in party circles. The Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are also gearing up to field candidates and mount a challenge in the constituency.
Legacy of Yogesh Patel
Yogesh Patel was widely regarded as a mass leader who enjoyed strong personal connect with voters across communities in Manjalpur and surrounding areas. His death has created a significant vacuum in local BJP politics, and the by-election will test how effectively the party manages the transition while retaining its traditional support base.
Election officials have assured that all necessary steps are being taken for free, fair, and peaceful polling. Campaigning is likely to intensify once candidates are officially declared in the coming days.
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