Patna: Political activity intensified in Bihar’s Bankipur Assembly by-election on Monday as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Jan Suraaj staged impressive roadshows ahead of filing nominations on the final day of the nomination process. BJP candidate Neeraj Sinha and Jan Suraaj nominee Prashant Kishor led separate rallies with large numbers of supporters, turning the streets of Patna into a vibrant political arena.

During the roadshows, workers from both parties came face-to-face at one point, raising slogans in support of their respective candidates. Although the situation remained under control, the gathering of thousands of supporters led to traffic congestion at several locations across the city.

BJP candidate Neeraj Sinha began his roadshow from the party office, travelling in a flower-decorated chariot accompanied by senior party leaders and a large number of supporters. Before filing his nomination, he offered prayers at the Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple and paid tribute to the father of late BJP leader Nitin Naveen at Naveen Sinha Smriti Park.

Meanwhile, Jan Suraaj candidate Prashant Kishor also received a massive show of support from party workers. A public meeting was organised at the Scout and Guide Ground in Patna before the nomination, where Kishor addressed supporters. He later proceeded to the nomination venue with a large procession and walked alongside party workers for part of the route, greeting supporters gathered along the way.

With polling scheduled for July 30, the Bankipur by-election is emerging as a closely watched political contest. The impressive displays of strength by both parties on the final day of nominations indicate that the election campaign is set to become more intense in the coming days.