Bankipur and Datia set for high-profile bypoll contests

The ECI has issued notifications for three assembly bypolls - one each in Bihar, MP and Gujarat. July 15 is the last date for nominations, while polling is on July 30.

The Bankipur seat in Bihar is among the most closely watched contests as it fell vacant after BJP president Nitin Nabin was elected to the Rajya Sabha. BJP has held the seat continuously since 1995. BJP is yet to announce its candidate. Party sources told ET that Nabin will take the final call on the nominee.

On the other hand, Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor is set to make his electoral debut by contesting the bypoll. His candidature will be announced at a party meeting on Sunday. Kishor has been campaigning extensively in the constituency, adding a new dimension to the contest. RJD is yet to declare its candidate. The Datia seat in Madhya Pradesh fell vacant after Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti was convicted in a case. Bharti had defeated BJP's Narottam Mishra in the 2023 elections. Congress is yet to finalise its candidate. Congress wants to retain it to demonstrate its continued strength in the region, while BJP hopes to facilitate Mishra's comeback in a constituency he had won three times before his defeat in 2023.