Patna: Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor has criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following the withdrawal of its original candidate from the Bankipur Assembly by-election, describing it as an unprecedented political development.
Speaking on the issue, Kishor said that while people had previously withdrawn or stepped back out of fear of the BJP, this was the first time a BJP candidate had withdrawn from an election. His remarks have intensified the political debate surrounding the by-election.
Kishor Says Public Sentiment is Supreme
Prashant Kishor said that no political force could withstand the power of the people, asserting that public opinion ultimately determines electoral outcomes.
He described the candidate’s withdrawal as a reflection of the strength of democracy and public confidence. According to Kishor, the incident indicates that voters are seeking change and that political parties are being compelled to rethink their strategies.
BJP Replaces Candidate After Nomination Withdrawal
The BJP had initially nominated Abhishek Bunty as its candidate for the Bankipur Assembly by-election. However, Bunty later withdrew his nomination, citing family reasons.
The party subsequently announced Neeraj Kumar Sinha as its new candidate for the constituency.
The opposition has questioned the BJP over the decision to replace its candidate after the nomination process had begun. The BJP, however, has maintained that the change was part of its internal strategy and was made in accordance with party considerations.
Bankipur Contest Draws Political Attention
The Bankipur Assembly by-election has emerged as one of the most closely watched political contests in Bihar, with parties treating it as more than a fight for a single legislative seat.
The election has gained additional attention as it marks Prashant Kishor’s first electoral contest. Political observers are closely monitoring the campaign and voter response, with the by-election expected to remain a key focus of Bihar’s political discourse in the coming days.
