Prashant Kishor Maintains Lead in Bankipur Bypoll as BJP Camp Turns Sombre

Patna, Aug 2026 : A subdued atmosphere prevailed at the Bihar BJP office in Patna on Monday as counting trends in the Bankipur Assembly by-election continued to favour Jan Suraaj candidate Prashant Kishor, who maintained a commanding lead over his nearest rival.

After 24 of the scheduled 31 rounds of counting, Kishor had secured 48,343 votes and was leading by 13,868 votes. BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar Sinha was in second place with 34,566 votes, while RJD candidate Rekha Gupta remained third with 11,197 votes.

Kishor’s consistent performance triggered celebrations at the Jan Suraaj camp, where supporters were seen dancing to music, raising slogans and celebrating with gulal as the lead continued to widen.

The mood was markedly different at the BJP state headquarters. Party workers, who have traditionally gathered at the office to celebrate electoral victories from Bankipur, appeared disappointed as the counting trends went against the BJP candidate. Only a small number of party workers were seen outside the office, along with security personnel.

The emerging trends have surprised BJP workers, particularly because Bankipur has traditionally been considered a stronghold of the party. The constituency was previously represented by Nitin Nabin, whose resignation resulted in the vacancy and prompted the by-election.

The contest has acquired additional political significance as it is the first Assembly by-election in Bihar after Samrat Chaudhary became Chief Minister. The BJP and its allies had already faced a setback in a Legislative Council by-election, and the developing Bankipur trends could add to concerns within the ruling camp.

Counting is being conducted in a total of 31 rounds, with 24 rounds completed so far. Kishor has remained ahead in every round counted, strengthening the possibility of a significant electoral breakthrough for Jan Suraaj.

The three principal candidates in the contest are Prashant Kishor of Jan Suraaj, Neeraj Kumar Sinha of the BJP and Rekha Gupta of the RJD. Polling for the by-election was held on July 30.

While the final outcome will be known only after all counting rounds are completed, Kishor’s sustained lead has already dramatically changed the political atmosphere surrounding the constituency.

For the BJP, the trends represent a potentially serious challenge in a seat it has historically dominated. For Prashant Kishor and Jan Suraaj, however, the performance could mark a significant political breakthrough and strengthen the organisation’s position in Bihar’s electoral landscape.

The final result will depend on the completion of the remaining counting rounds, but the current trends have already made Bankipur one of the most closely watched contests in the state.