The result of the Manjalpur Assembly bypoll in Vadodara was declared on Monday (August 3), with BJP candidate Satish Patel sweeping to a decisive win by a margin of 30,499 votes. Counting was held across 19 rounds after the seat recorded a modest turnout of 37.05 per cent when voting took place on July 30. Patel’s win keeps the traditionally BJP-held seat firmly with the party. Congress candidate Bhikha Rabari polled 24,585 votes in total.
Patel led from the very first round of counting and never lost his advantage. By the end of round 14, he had 40,510 votes to Rabari’s 18,001, a lead of 22,509 votes. The gap widened further by round 17, with Patel at 49,631 votes against Rabari’s 21,183 NOTA accounted for 1,998 votes at that stage pushing the BJP’s lead to 27,448. The count concluded after round 19 with Patel’s final winning margin settling at 30,499 votes.
Patel Credits Predecessor, Party Workers
Speaking after his win, Patel said the trust and affection the people of Manjalpur had shown the late Yogesh Patel — the seat’s previous MLA was the same trust they had now placed in him. He called the victory a result of public support and the hard work of party workers, and said he would carry the responsibility forward with full dedication. BJP workers celebrated the win with visible enthusiasm, with women party workers performing garba to mark the occasion.
Vadodara Municipal Corporation Mayor Geetaben Makwana said Manjalpur had been a BJP bastion for years, crediting party workers for going door-to-door to encourage voter turnout and calling the result a reward for that effort. Large numbers of workers gathered for a victory rally following the announcement, with celebrations breaking out across the city.
Rabari Alleges Irregularities, Vows To Continue Working
Congress’s Bhikha Rabari conceded defeat but raised concerns about the conduct of the election. He alleged that the BJP had created an atmosphere of intimidation in the final phase of polling, which he said kept many of his supporters from turning out to vote. He also alleged violations of the model code of conduct and said the election had not been free and fair this time. Despite the loss, Rabari said he would continue serving the public and remain engaged with people in the constituency.
The result is being seen as a significant political win for the BJP, which retained its traditional hold on the seat amid a turnout of 37.05 per cent.