Political analyst turned politician Prashant Kishor leads the race in Bankipur assembly by-election as the counting progressed in Bihar.
Prashant Kishore made a poll debut by contesting the Bihar bypoll from the high-profile Bankipur seat left vacant by BJP national president Nitin Nabin. He is currently leading against BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar.
According to figures released by the Election Commission of India (ECI) Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has received more than 29,000 votes so far, widening his lead to more than 7,000 votes over BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar Sinha after 13 rounds of vote counting in Bihar’s Bankipur Assembly constituency. His nearest rival, BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar Sinha, is trailing.
The contest has turned into a three-cornered fight involving the BJP, Jan Suraaj Party and the RJD. Voting took place on July 30, 2026.
The bypoll has attracted national attention as it serves as a litmus test for Prashant Kishor’s political ambitions and Jan Suraaj’s ability to translate public support into electoral success.
The bypoll is also being held for Manjalpur assembly seat in Gujarat. BJP candidate Satish Patel surged ahead by more than 19,000 votes over his Congress rival after 11 of 19 rounds of counting in the Manjalpur assembly by-election in Gujarat on Monday, officials said.