Patna: Polling for the Bankipur Assembly by-election remained largely peaceful on Thursday despite sporadic clashes between supporters of the BJP and Jan Suraaj, allegations of voter intimidation, and claims of attempted bogus voting.
By 4pm, voter turnout little above 30%, around 10 percentage points lower than the turnout recorded at the same stage during the 2025 Assembly election.
Clashes Reported At Multiple Locations
Supporters of the BJP and Jan Suraaj clashed in the Anandpuri area in the presence of Jan Suraaj founder and candidate Prashant Kishor, who intervened to calm the situation.
Prashant Kishor alleged that police personnel were harassing Jan Suraaj workers and polling agents, intimidating voters and removing the party’s help desks near polling stations.
A separate scuffle was reported in Kidwaipuri, where BJP and Jan Suraaj supporters confronted each other in the presence of police. Jan Suraaj workers alleged that former BJP candidate Abhishek Kumar Bunty was intimidating voters and preventing them from casting their ballots. The allegation could not be independently verified.
Verbal altercations were also reported at polling booths in Buddha Colony and PNT Colony.
Police Say Situation Is Under Control
Central SP Mamta Kalyani said the disputes arose over minor issues and that polling was continuing peacefully.
She said the situation at all polling stations had returned to normal.
EVM Replaced After Technical Fault
Prashant Kishor also responded to reports of an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) being replaced at booth number 143.
He said election officials had informed him that the 53 votes cast before the malfunction had been safely recorded.
“The EVM had developed a technical fault and is being replaced. I appeal to all voters to cast their votes peacefully. Officials are present to assist you, and there is no need for any commotion,” he said.
BJP Candidate Expresses Confidence
BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar Sinha cast his vote at Dayanand Kanya High School in Mithapur, accompanied by party workers.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, he said the atmosphere was favourable for the BJP and expressed confidence that voters would support his candidature.
Sinha said his long association with Mithapur had earned him the trust and blessings of local residents.
BJP Alleges Attempted Bogus Voting
The BJP accused Jan Suraaj of attempting to cast bogus votes during polling.
State General Secretary Nitin Abhishek wrote to the Returning Officer, seeking strict enforcement of voter identity verification procedures to ensure free and fair polling.
Polling is scheduled to continue until 6pm, with the counting of votes set for August 3.
