Prashant Kishor contests Bankipur bypoll, targeting BJP stronghold in Bihar

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor, also known as PK, has been declared the party’s candidate for the Bankipur assembly by‑election in Patna, a seat that became vacant after BJP leader Nitin Nabin was elected to the Rajya Sabha. Kishor says his run marks the start of “new politics” in Bihar and he will contest the election without any coalition.

The Election Commission announced that nominations will be accepted from 6 July to 13 July, with scrutiny on 14 July and a withdrawal deadline of 16 July. Polling is scheduled for 30 July, vote‑counting on 3 August and results expected by 4 August. Security measures at the nomination centre include limits on vehicles, a 100‑metre buffer for armed guards and video‑recording of the process.

While the BJP has not yet named its candidate, the opposition Mahagathbandhan is divided: the RJD has fielded Rekha Gupta, Congress has signalled possible support for Kishor, and several other parties have announced candidates. Analysts note that Bankipur has been a BJP bastion for three decades, so the by‑poll is seen as a litmus test for the party’s urban strength in Bihar and for the Jan Suraaj Party’s ability to convert organisational work into electoral success.