Prashant Kishor to Contest Bankipur Bypoll
Jan Suraaj Chief Calls July 30 Election a Referendum on Bihar Government's Performance
GG News Bureau
Patna, 5th July: Prashant Kishor on Sunday announced that he will contest the Bankipur Assembly by-election, describing the contest as a referendum on the performance of the BJP-led government in Bihar.
Addressing a press conference, the Jan Suraaj founder urged voters of the constituency to support him, saying the election was an opportunity to bring change to Bihar’s politics. He said if the BJP retained the seat, it would indicate continued public support for the government, but a Jan Suraaj victory would signal the need for political change.
The bypoll was necessitated after BJP state president Nitin Nabin resigned from the Assembly following his election to the Rajya Sabha. Polling is scheduled for July 30, while votes will be counted on August 3.
Kishor also claimed the current government headed by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary did not receive a direct electoral mandate, as the NDA had contested the previous Assembly election under the leadership of Nitish Kumar.
His announcement has exposed differences within the opposition, with some Congress leaders favouring support for Kishor, while the Rashtriya Janata Dal has indicated it will field its own candidate. The BJP is yet to announce its nominee.
