What changed
2026-08-03 02:42 UTC → 2026-08-03 05:10 UTC ·
added
removed
The Bankipur assembly by‑election in Bihar, held on 30 July 2026, continues to draw intense attention as vote counting proceeds. Earlier in July, RJD spokesperson Shakti Yadav pledged a full‑strength challenge to the BJP, condemning the party and the state government over the handling of the Bharat Tiwari death case and demanding a police inquiry. BJP MLC Navl Kishore Yadav reiterated the constituency as a BJP stronghold, dismissed claims that Jan Suraj founder Prashant Kishore’s campaign would be decisive, and defended the government's Uniform Civil Code plan while commenting on India‑Pakistan relations. Counting began at 8 a.m. on 3 August at Patna’s AN College, College under a three‑layer security arrangement that includes 25 central paramilitary companies, Bihar Special Armed Police, QR‑code passes and continuous CCTV monitoring. The process arrangement, first tallies tallying postal ballots, ballots and then electronic voting machines across 422 polling stations in 30 rounds and 14 tables. Preliminary trends are expected after noon, with the full count slated for late afternoon. rounds. The contest features 25 candidates, with the BJP’s Neeraj Kumar Sinha, RJD’s Rekha Gupta and Jan Suraj’s Prashant Kishore as the main contenders. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has warned Preliminary trends are expected after noon, and the full result is slated for late afternoon. BJP workers expressed certainty that Sinha will win, preparing a decisive win celebration that includes 200 quintals of laddus for Gupta would send supporters. Local astrologer Pandit Om Tiwari forecast an 85 % chance of a national message about BJP victory based on horoscope and numerology. Kishore has alleged police interference during the BJP’s standing. Results are still awaited, seen count. The outcome is being watched as an early barometer for the upcoming Bihar state elections.