PK set to be MLA: Prashant Kishor takes massive lead to breach BJP fort in Bihar's Bankipur bypoll

Prashant Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraaj Party, is set to secure a landmark victory in his electoral debut, leading significantly in the Bankipur assembly by-election in Bihar. This win would grant his party its first seat in the state legislature, breaking a decades-long hold the BJP maintained over the constituency.

The result is expected to bolster Kishor's efforts to establish the Jan Suraaj Party as a viable alternative political force in Bihar. He had characterized the by-election as a referendum on the current BJP government led by Samrat Choudhary, and it comes amid criticism of the national BJP government. By late afternoon, Kishor had secured approximately 50% of the votes by the 30th round of counting.

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As we stated during the election campaign, this was not just an election to choose an MLA. It was an attempt by the people of Bihar to send a message to the BJP's central leadership that they should appoint a good person as the Chief Minister of Bihar.

Kishor attributed the victory to the people of Bankipur, stating the contest was more than just electing an MLA. He conveyed that Bihar's residents are seeking a chief minister capable of improving education, creating youth employment, and curbing migration. "Bihar needs good leadership and real development," he asserted, emphasizing that their goal is not merely to gain positions but to foster the state's progress.

This by-election marks Kishor's first foray into electoral politics after years as a successful election strategist. His decision to contest came after the Jan Suraaj Party failed to win any seats in the 2025 Bihar assembly elections. The Bankipur seat was previously held by BJP leader Nitin Nabin for over three decades. The by-election saw a voter turnout of 34.3 percent, a decrease from the previous assembly elections.

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The important point is that Bihar needs good leadership and real development... We do not want to become MLAs merely to award contracts. Our sole objective is the development of Bihar.