Archive · 30 Jul 2026
Bankipur By‑Election Sees Low Turnout, Rising Tensions
A special election is happening in a part of Bihar called Bankipur to choose a new local lawmaker.
Only a few people went to vote early in the day – about 4.6% by 9 am and 11.5% by 11 am.
The election has 26 people running, including a new candidate named Prashant Kishor and a young BJP candidate.
The previous winner, Nabin, left the seat to join the national parliament.
Some people say the police are stopping supporters of one candidate, which is causing a bit of a fight.
Everyone wants the election to be fair and peaceful.
The voting will finish at 6 pm, and the winner will decide local laws for the area.
Voter turnout reached 11.5% by 11 am, up from 4.6% at 9 am, in the Bankipur assembly by‑poll.
The election, held across 422 polling stations from 7 am to 6 pm, is contested by 26 candidates.
Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor is contesting his first election, while the BJP fields Neeraj Kumar Sinha.
Former MLA Nabin, who vacated the seat to join the Rajya Sabha, had won it in 2024 by over 50,000 votes.
Kishor has accused the Bihar Police of targeting his supporters, a claim the BJP denies.
- Who
- Candidates including Prashant Kishor, Neeraj Kumar Sinha, and former MLA Nabin
- What
- Assembly by‑election in Bankipur constituency
- When
- Thursday, polling from 7 am to 6 pm
- Where
- Bankipur constituency, Bihar, India
- Why
- To elect a new MLA after Nabin vacated the seat for the Rajya Sabha
- Voter turnout (as of 11 am)
- 11.5%
- Voter turnout (as of 9 am)
- 4.6%
- Polling stations
- 422
- Eligible voters
- 380,000
- Candidates
- 26
- Polling hours
- 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Key candidates
- Prashant Kishor (Jan Suraaj Party), Neeraj Kumar Sinha (BJP)
