Prashant Kishor's Party Files Complaint Against Patna Police Over Election Conduct

Prashant Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraj party, has filed a complaint against the Patna police, alleging unlawful detentions of his party's supporters during the Bankipur by-election. Kishor claims that over 54 individuals were taken into custody without cause, primarily local residents. He criticized the actions of the Senior Superintendent of Police, accusing him of bias and attempting to influence the electoral process. The situation raises concerns about the integrity of the election, with Kishor asserting that his party's members were targeted while no BJP members faced similar treatment. The counting of votes is scheduled for August 3, following the election held on July 30.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 2, 2026, 17:37 IST

Complaint Filed Against Police Actions

On August 2, in Patna, Prashant Kishor, the founder of the Jan Suraj party, announced that his party has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against the Patna police. The complaint alleges that during the by-election for the Bankipur assembly seat, police unlawfully detained leaders and supporters of Jan Suraj at the behest of the BJP. Kishor claimed that in the two days leading up to the voting on Thursday, police took 54 individuals into custody, many of whom were local residents.

Allegations of Misconduct by Police

During a press conference, Kishor stated, "The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Patna falsely claimed that during the 48-hour 'silence period' before the election, police detained outsiders to maintain law and order. We have submitted evidence to the Election Commission showing that many of those detained were locals and had not violated any prohibitory orders." Alongside Kishor were at least three local individuals who recounted their experiences of being taken from their homes by police during the night.

Local Residents Speak Out

Kishor shared that out of the 54 detained individuals, more than 18 were residents of Bankipur, asserting that they were not causing any disturbances or breaching prohibitory orders. He questioned, "How can someone sleeping at home disrupt law and order?" He criticized SSP Kartikeya K. Sharma, labeling him as "incompetent, biased, and foolish," and accused him of attempting to influence the electoral process through partial actions.

Kishor's Call for Accountability

Kishor remarked, "If the SSP wishes to engage in politics, he should resign from his position. Everyone has the right to participate in politics, but not while holding an administrative role." He expressed confidence that the Bihar DGP and his subordinate officials assured him that the SSP would have no role in the counting of votes scheduled for Monday. Kishor contested the Bankipur by-election, where voting took place on July 30, with the counting set for August 3.

Concerns Over Election Integrity

Kishor noted that while 54 members and supporters of Jan Suraj were detained, no BJP members faced similar actions. Nawal Kishore Gupta, a resident of the Mandiri area in Patna, claimed that at 2 AM on Thursday, a large number of police officers entered his home and took him away without explaining the reason for his detention. He alleged that the police might have aimed to prevent him from voting, although he was eventually allowed to cast his vote by 5 PM.

Supporters Share Their Experiences

Supporter Nibha Bhushan mentioned that she was assisting elderly individuals in reaching the polling booths to vote when unknown individuals entered her home and threatened her.