Political strategist Prashant Kishor is making his electoral debut by contesting the Bankipur Assembly bypoll, a constituency long considered a bastion of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Bihar. Kishor, who founded the Jan Suraaj Party, deliberately chose this challenging seat instead of a traditionally 'safe' option to underscore his core political message: urging voters to transcend caste and religious considerations.
Challenging Traditional Politics
Speaking to news agency ANI, Kishor explained his unconventional approach. He noted that most politicians prefer to launch their careers from constituencies where victory is more assured. His decision to do the opposite, he said, is a direct challenge to the prevailing political culture in Bihar. "When people start their electoral politics, they look for safe seats for themselves. I am doing the opposite because I am telling the people of Bihar that if Bihar is to change, they must vote beyond caste and religion," Kishor stated. He emphasized the need for voters to move past fears that often dictate their choices between parties like the BJP and RJD (Lalu's party).
Bankipur: A BJP Fortress
Bankipur, located within the Patna Sahib Lok Sabha constituency, has consistently been a strong urban seat for the BJP. The constituency was represented by BJP leader Nitin Nabin from 2010 until earlier this year, and before him, by his father, Nabin Kishore Prasad Sinha. The seat became vacant after Nitin Nabin resigned from the Assembly on March 30, following his election to the Rajya Sabha on April 16.
Historical election data further highlights the BJP's dominance. In the 2020 Assembly election, Nitin Nabin secured 83,068 votes (59.05% vote share), defeating Congress candidate Luv Sinha. Similarly, in 2015, Nabin won with 86,759 votes (60.19% share). He also retained the seat in the 2025 Assembly election, defeating RJD's Rekha Kumari by a significant margin, solidifying Bankipur's reputation as a BJP stronghold.
A Vision for a 'New Political Order'
Kishor views the Bankipur bypoll as more than just a contest for a single Assembly seat. He frames it as an opportunity to initiate a "new political order" in Bihar. Addressing his supporters, he articulated, "We do not view the Bankipur bypoll as merely an election to choose an MLA. It is not about making or toppling a government, nor is it simply about electing an MLA. It is an election to shape a new political order in Bihar." He appealed to the "most prosperous and politically aware voters" of Bankipur to make a decision that ushers in change.
Bypoll Schedule and Reactions
Polling for the Bankipur bypoll is scheduled for July 30, with nomination scrutiny on July 14 and the last date for withdrawal of nominations on July 16. The election process will conclude on August 4.
The BJP has reacted to Kishor's candidature with skepticism. Union Minister Giriraj Singh criticized Kishor, alleging his politics had been exposed and calling his claims "falsehoods." Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi expressed strong confidence that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would retain the seat, anticipating a massive victory for their candidate.