Polling is underway in the high-stakes Bankipur Assembly by-election in Patna on 30 July, with 25 candidates contesting and 3,79,616 eligible voters deciding the outcome. The contest is widely seen as a triangular fight between Jan Suraaj candidate Prashant Kishor, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidate Rekha Gupta, and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Neeraj Kumar Sinha, who carries the backing of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Polling Begins Peacefully

Voting commenced peacefully on Thursday morning, with steady voter turnout reported at polling stations across the constituency. Long queues were observed during the early hours at several booths. At Patna Women's College, which houses booths numbered 90 to 96, polling proceeded smoothly under pleasant weather conditions. A notable moment came at Booth No. 94, where a 75-year-old woman arrived in a wheelchair to exercise her democratic right. Many voters said development was their primary concern in casting their ballots.

What the Candidates and Leaders Said

Jan Suraaj convener Prashant Kishor spoke to reporters after arriving at Jakkanpur police station late on Wednesday night, referring to an unspecified incident. He alleged the developments reflected nervousness among his political opponents. 'I do not know the exact issue, but once campaigning ends at 6 p.m., outsiders cannot come here to campaign. Only they can explain the matter, but all this is happening out of nervousness and desperation because they have practically accepted their defeat,' he said.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary urged voters to participate enthusiastically, giving the slogan 'First vote, then refreshments.' He emphasised that active public participation strengthens democracy. Senior BJP leader C.P. Thakur cast his vote and expressed confidence in his party's victory. BJP MP Vivek Thakur predicted a decisive win for the party, citing enthusiasm among voters, particularly the youth. Janata Dal (United) MLA Shyam Rajak cast his vote and claimed the election was a one-sided contest, saying: 'There is no real contest here; it is a one-sided election.'

BJP Raises Bogus Voting Allegation

BJP State General Secretary Nitin Abhishek has written to the Returning Officer of the Bankipur Assembly constituency, seeking strict verification of voter identity by matching EPIC cards with voter names. In the letter, the BJP alleged that workers associated with the Jan Suraaj Party were attempting to influence the fairness of the polling process through bogus voting. The allegation has been made by the BJP and no official confirmation has been issued by election authorities.

Security and Administrative Arrangements

The district administration has put in place extensive security arrangements. 422 polling stations have been established across the constituency, and 14 companies of central paramilitary forces have been deployed. Security arrangements include 9 squad platoons, 18 static surveillance teams, 6 video surveillance teams, 3 video viewing teams, and 42 sector officers. Adequate police personnel and magistrates have also been deployed, according to an election commission official. Special facilities have been arranged for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. The Patna Municipal Corporation has deployed 1,266 personnel to maintain cleanliness, provide drinking water, and ensure basic amenities at polling stations.

What Happens Next

Votes polled in the Bankipur by-election will be counted at AN College on 3 August, when the constituency's next representative will be determined. The result will be closely watched as a measure of Prashant Kishor's electoral debut and the relative strength of the NDA and RJD in urban Patna.