Archive · 30 Jul 2026
Bankipur By-Election Sees Low Turnout, Alleged Police Detentions
A special election is happening in a part of Bihar called Bankipur.
Only about 11.5 % of people voted by mid‑morning, which is very low.
The BJP is running a young local man named Neeraj Kumar Sinha, while a new political group called Jan Suraaj is led by Prashant Kishor.
Some people say the police stopped Jan Suraaj workers from campaigning, but the police say they were just following rules.
Everyone wants the election to be fair and peaceful.
Only 11.5 % of voters had cast ballots by 11 am on 30 July 2024.
BJP fielded Neeraj Kumar Sinha, a local youth wing leader, for the Bankipur seat.
Jan Suraaj Party, led by Prashant Kishor, is contesting as a new entrant.
Kishor alleges police detained over 16 Jan Suraaj workers during the campaign.
Police and election officials say all actions were in line with Election Commission rules.
- Who
- BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar Sinha, Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor, and other local politicians
- What
- By‑election for the Bankipur assembly seat in Bihar
- When
- 30 July 2024, voting from 7 am to 6 pm
- Where
- Bankipur, Patna district, Bihar, India
- Why
- To fill the seat vacated by former BJP MP Nitin Nabin
- Voter Turnout (till 11 am)
- 11.5 %
- Candidates
- 26
- Polling Stations
- 422
- Election Date
- Thursday, 30 July 2024
- Seat
- Bankipur assembly seat