Political Showdown in Bihar: Prashant Kishor and BJP's Neeraj Kumar Sinha Enter the Race

In a significant political event, Prashant Kishor of the Jan Suraaj Party and BJP's Neeraj Kumar Sinha have filed their nominations for the Bankipur Assembly bypoll in Bihar. Kishor aims to challenge the BJP's dominance in the region, calling for a political shift and the resignation of leaders with criminal backgrounds. This election is seen as a referendum on the NDA government, with Kishor's victory potentially leading to major changes in the state's political landscape. The contest heats up as both candidates prepare for a fierce battle in the upcoming polls.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 13, 2026, 16:52 IST

Nomination Day in Bankipur

Patna: On Monday, Prashant Kishor, the founder of the Jan Suraaj Party, along with BJP's Neeraj Kumar Sinha, submitted their nomination papers for the upcoming bypoll in the Bankipur Assembly constituency of Bihar.

Kishor aims to capture the seat previously held by BJP's national president Nitin Nabin, who vacated it a few months ago. He was joined by his wife, Jahnavi Das, a medical professional from Assam, who typically avoids the spotlight but chose to support her husband during this significant moment.

After submitting his nomination, Kishor expressed to the media that this event symbolizes not just his candidacy but a broader call for political transformation in Bihar, emphasizing the need for individuals with criminal backgrounds to relinquish their positions.

Kishor has been vocal about his belief that this bypoll represents a referendum on the NDA government in Bihar. He asserted that a victory for him would necessitate the resignation of Samrat Choudhary, the first BJP leader to govern the state, who has been implicated in a murder case dating back to the 1990s.

The founder of IPAC, who established his party two years ago, arrived at the collectorate in a large procession that started from the bustling Dak Bungalow crossing, located about a kilometer away.

Prior to this, he had also held a well-attended gathering at a public ground near the police lines.

Conversely, BJP stalwarts such as local MP Ravi Shankar Prasad and state president Sanjay Saraogi were present to support Sinha, a 32-year-old leader from the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, who was quickly brought into the race after Abhishek Kumar Bunty withdrew his candidacy for personal reasons.