Archive · 30 Jul 2026
Bankipur By-Poll Sees Low Turnout Amid Party Tensions
A special election was held in a part of Patna, India, to choose a new local representative.
Only about one-third of the people who could vote actually voted, which is very low.
The main candidates were Neeraj Kumar Sinha from the BJP, Rekha Gupta from the RJD, and Prashant Kishor from a new party.
Some supporters of the parties argued that the police were unfairly detaining people, while the BJP said the other party was trying to use fake voters.
Police and judges were sent to make sure the voting was fair, and a few people were arrested for causing trouble.
The election will decide who will represent the area in the state government.
Voter turnout fell to about 34% in the Bankipur by-election, a record low.
BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar Sinha and RJD's Rekha Gupta contested, with Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor challenging BJP dominance.
Allegations of police detaining Jan Suraaj supporters and accusations of fake voters surfaced during the campaign.
Physical scuffles between BJP and Jan Suraaj supporters led to 39 arrests/detentions.
Election officials deployed additional magistrates and police to ensure free, fair voting; turnout may be revised by the Election Commission.
- Who
- BJP's Neeraj Kumar Sinha, RJD's Rekha Gupta, Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor, and other local politicians
- What
- By-election for the Bankipur assembly seat in Bihar
- When
- Polling held July 30, 2026; results announced August 3, 2026
- Where
- Bankipur constituency, Patna, Bihar, India
- Why
- Seat vacated after BJP national president Nitin Nabin was elected to the Rajya Sabha
- Voter turnout
- 34.24%
- Eligible voters
- 379,616
- Candidates
- 26
- Polling date
- July 30, 2026
- Seat vacated by
- Nitin Nabin
