Jan Suraj Party to Contest Bihar's Bankipur By-Election
The Jan Suraj Party (JSP) has confirmed its participation in the upcoming Bankipur assembly by-election in Bihar. Party president Uday Singh highlighted the desire among supporters for founder Prashant Kishor to be a candidate. The seat became vacant after BJP leader Nitin Nabin was elected to the Rajya Sabha. Kishor expressed confidence that only JSP can defeat the BJP in this stronghold, emphasizing the need for a strong candidate. As political dynamics shift, the support from other parties in the Grand Alliance could play a crucial role if Kishor decides to run.
| May 27, 2026, 17:00 IST
Jan Suraj Party's Decision on By-Election
The Jan Suraj Party (JSP) has announced its intention to participate in the upcoming by-election for the Bankipur assembly seat in Bihar. This declaration was made by the party's national president, Uday Singh, on Wednesday. He emphasized that party members and supporters are keen for the founder, Prashant Kishor, to run for election.
The vacancy arose after Nitin Nabin of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was elected to the Rajya Sabha following his appointment as the party's national president in January. The Election Commission has yet to announce the schedule for the by-election.
Kishor's Stance on Candidacy
Prashant Kishor, the founder of JSP and a political strategist, stated that the party has "theoretically" decided to contest the upcoming by-election in Bankipur. When directly asked if he would be a candidate, Kishor reiterated his previous stance: "It is the party's decision." He had given a similar response before the Bihar assembly elections in 2025, where he did not run. However, he noted that the political landscape has changed significantly since then.
Bankipur is considered a stronghold of the BJP. Nabin first won this seat in a by-election in 2006 after his father's death and successfully retained it for the fifth consecutive time last year, defeating RJD candidate Rekha Kumari by a margin of nearly 52,000 votes, securing 62.66% of the total votes. JSP had fielded a 37-year-old newcomer, Vandana Kumari, from the business community, who finished in third place.
Kishor's Confidence in the Election
Kishor expressed strong confidence regarding the Bankipur seat, asserting that only the Jan Suraj Party can defeat the BJP there. Speaking to reporters, he mentioned that the party believes it needs to present a strong candidate. Both RJD and Congress have faced significant defeats in this constituency. Reports suggest that if Prashant Kishor decides to contest from Bankipur, other parties in the Grand Alliance, including RJD, may support him.
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