Gujarat: Holiday declared in Manjalpur for bypolls on July 30
Gandhinagar, July 25
The Gujarat government has declared a public holiday across the entire Manjalpur Assembly constituency in Vadodara district on Thursday, July 30, to facilitate voting in the by-election to the seat.
According to a notification issued by the state's General Administration Department, the holiday has been declared under the provisions of Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, and in accordance with the Ministry of Home Affairs notification dated May 8, 1968.
The notification states that the holiday will apply throughout the entire area falling within the Manjalpur Assembly constituency on polling day.
The by-election was necessitated following the death of veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA and former Gujarat minister Yogesh Patel on June 2 after a prolonged illness.
Patel had represented the constituency since it was created after the 2008 delimitation exercise and had won eight consecutive Assembly elections during his 36-year legislative career.
Polling for the by-election will be held on July 30, while the counting of votes is scheduled for August 3.
The contest has narrowed to a direct fight between the BJP and the Congress after the scrutiny of nominations and the completion of the withdrawal process.
The BJP has fielded Satish (also referred to in some official records as Satyendra) Patel, a former Vadodara Municipal Corporation standing committee chairman and former BJP district president.
The Congress has nominated Bhikha Rabari, the state unit's vice-president and a former state minister.
The Election Commission's nomination process saw 15 nomination papers filed by seven candidates before scrutiny reduced the contest to the two recognised national parties.
Election Commission guidelines require polling to be conducted from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with counting of votes scheduled for August 3 and the election process to be completed by August 4.
The Model Code of Conduct remains in force in the constituency, while statutory provisions on paid holiday and dry days will also apply during the polling period.
— IANS
Reader Comments
RIP Yogesh Patel ji. He served Manjalpur for 36 years—that's dedication. But now the BJP needs a fresh face. Satish Patel has municipal experience, but Bhikha Rabari is a seasoned leader too. I hope the voters choose wisely, not just on party lines. Gujarat needs development-focused leaders.
Another holiday? This is fine for voters, but what about daily wagers? Many workers don't get paid for such holidays. The government should ensure that small businesses and laborers aren't affected. But yes, I'll definitely vote—it's our right and duty. 🇮🇳
Direct fight between BJP and Congress again. Both have fielded experienced candidates. But I'm tired of the same old promises—roads, water, jobs. Let's see if either party brings something new to the table. Also, why only Manjalpur? Shouldn't all constituencies get such holidays for voting? Just asking. 🤔
Happy to see the model code of conduct is in force. But I wish the Election Commission would also enforce strict action against hate speech and money power during campaigns. Manjalpur needs clean politics. And yes, I'll be voting on July 30! 🇮🇳
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