Prashant Kishore calls for ban on BJP's use of livelihood workers in Banki Pur by‑election

On Sunday, Jan Suraj candidate Prashant Kishore held a press conference in Patna, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of deploying “livelihood women” – half‑pay semi‑government workers – to campaign in the Banki Pur by‑election. Kishore said the BJP had sent about a thousand workers, leaders and actors, using government resources and hotel expenses, and warned that if these workers were not stopped from promoting the party within 24 hours, he would stage a protest outside the Election Commission.

He also criticised the district magistrate’s recent official tweet, calling it a repeat of past election misconduct, and argued that any woman employed under livelihood schemes should not be allowed to take part in election campaigning. Kishore urged the administration to stop using its authority to pressure voters and hinted at further actions if the BJP’s alleged tactics continue.