Bankipur bypoll: Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary rallies for BJP's Neeraj Kumar in Patna
Synopsis
Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary took the NDA's Bankipur bypoll campaign to Patna's Mandiri area, anchoring his pitch not just on roads and governance but on an education overhaul — 551 model schools, 211 new colleges, AI in classrooms, and a stated goal of making Bihar a self-sufficient coaching destination to rival Kota. It is an unusually specific electoral promise, and one that will be easy to measure.
Key Takeaways
Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary held a campaign rally in Mandiri, Patna on 25 July for BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar in the Bankipur Assembly by-election .
Choudhary highlighted the NDA government's completion of 100 days in office and credited the alliance's five constituent parties for working unitedly toward Bihar's progress.
The Bihar government has launched 551 model schools and established 211 new degree colleges across the state.
Online night classes with teachers available via app until 11 pm are being rolled out as part of a digital education push.
The CM set a long-term goal of making Bihar capable of preparing students for NEET and JEE without needing to travel to coaching hubs like Kota .
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Saturday, 25 July addressed a public rally in the Mandiri area of Patna, throwing his weight behind Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Neeraj Kumar ahead of the Bankipur Assembly by-election. The campaign event marked a visible intensification of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA)'s ground push in the constituency.
CM's Personal Connect with Mandiri
Choudhary noted that this was his second visit to Mandiri, recalling that he had previously inaugurated a road built over the Mandiri drain. He pointed to the area's transformation — from a largely village-like settlement to an urbanising locality — as a direct result of the four-lane road constructed under the NDA administration.
NDA's Development Pitch
The Chief Minister framed the bypoll as a referendum on the alliance's governance record. He cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) vision alongside former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's blueprint for a prosperous Bihar, saying the NDA government is working with full commitment toward both goals. Choudhary also acknowledged that the current administration had completed 100 days in office, describing it as a government built on public trust. He expressed gratitude to Nitish Kumar, crediting him with the opportunity to lead the state.
Drawing a colourful analogy, Choudhary described the five NDA constituent parties as akin to the five Pandavas — united in purpose and working collectively for Bihar's progress.
Education at the Centre of the Agenda
A significant portion of Choudhary's address focused on education reform. He outlined the government's ambition to strengthen state-run schools to the point where children of public representatives, civil servants, and ordinary citizens would all study under the same roof. Key announcements highlighted at the rally included the launch of 551 model schools and the establishment of 211 new degree colleges across Bihar.
The Chief Minister also pointed to the expansion of computer education and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of the state's push to modernise learning. A digital initiative allows students to attend online night classes, with teachers available through a dedicated app until 11 pm to assist learners.
Notably, Choudhary set an ambitious long-term target: building an educational ecosystem in Bihar capable of preparing students for competitive examinations such as NEET and JEE — reducing the need for students to travel to coaching hubs like Kota in Rajasthan.
The Electoral Appeal
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister made a direct pitch to voters. 'We need your support for Bihar's development. Vote for Neeraj Kumar and ensure his victory,' he told the gathering, urging a strong mandate for the NDA as the surest path to accelerating the state's development. The Bankipur bypoll is being closely watched as a test of the NDA's hold over urban Patna ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
Point of View
The NDA is targeting aspirational urban and peri-urban voters in Patna — a demographic that has historically punished governments seen as indifferent to quality schooling. The 551 model schools figure, however, needs scrutiny: past state-level 'model school' drives across India have often stalled at inauguration. Whether the Bankipur bypoll verdict reflects endorsement of this vision, or simply incumbency advantage in an urban seat, will be a telling signal ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
NationPress
26 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bankipur Assembly by-election?
The Bankipur Assembly by-election is a bypoll being held in the Bankipur constituency of Patna, Bihar. It is being contested by BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar, backed by the ruling NDA alliance led by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.
Why did Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary campaign in Mandiri?
Choudhary campaigned in Patna's Mandiri area on 25 July to rally support for BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar in the Bankipur bypoll. He also highlighted local development work, including a road built over the Mandiri drain that he had previously inaugurated.
What education initiatives did CM Choudhary highlight at the rally?
Choudhary cited the launch of 551 model schools and 211 new degree colleges in Bihar. He also spoke about expanding computer education, AI integration in classrooms, and online night classes where teachers remain available through an app until 11 pm.
What is the NDA's long-term education goal for Bihar?
The NDA government aims to build an educational ecosystem in Bihar strong enough to prepare students for competitive exams like NEET and JEE locally, reducing dependence on coaching hubs like Kota in Rajasthan.
How significant is the Bankipur bypoll for Bihar politics?
The Bankipur bypoll is seen as an early indicator of urban Patna's mood ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. A strong NDA performance would reinforce the alliance's grip on the state capital, while a setback could embolden the opposition going into the general state poll.
