Patna: Tension flared during polling for the Bankipur Assembly by-election in Bihar as supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Jan Suraaj clashed at several polling stations. Heated arguments, protests, and pushing incidents were reported at booths in Kidwaipuri and PNT Colony, even in the presence of police personnel. Following the incidents, the administration strengthened security arrangements and increased vigilance at the affected polling stations.

Ravi Shankar Prasad Expresses Confidence in BJP-NDA Candidate

After casting his vote, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “I have been a voter in Bankipur and have been voting at this booth for the last 20 years. I am delighted to have voted for BJP-NDA candidate Neeraj Kumar today. The people of Bankipur have supported the BJP for years. They have witnessed the development carried out by the Nitish Kumar government, Samrat Choudhary, Nitin Nabin, and by me as the local MP. The public is determined to take this development journey forward.”

Scuffle in Front of Police at Kidwaipuri Booth

The situation turned tense at a polling station in Kidwaipuri when supporters of the two parties came face-to-face. A brief scuffle broke out in front of police personnel, who intervened promptly, separated the groups, and brought the situation under control.

Jan Suraaj Levels Allegations Against Former BJP Candidate

Jan Suraaj workers alleged that former BJP candidate Bunty and his supporters were trying to influence voters at the polling booth. They claimed that attempts were being made to prevent some voters from casting their ballots and to influence the polling atmosphere.

Protests at PNT Colony Polling Booth

Jan Suraaj supporters also staged a protest at the polling station in PNT Colony, alleging that some individuals were attempting to persuade voters to vote in favour of the BJP. They demanded immediate action and the arrest of those allegedly involved.

Dispute Reported at Booths 101 and 103

Tensions were also reported at Booth Nos. 101 and 103, where Jan Suraaj supporters accused BJP workers of interfering with the polling process. However, police and election officials reached the spot in time and restored normalcy.

BJP Alleges Attempt at Bogus Voting

The BJP, in turn, accused Jan Suraaj of attempting bogus voting. BJP State General Secretary Nitin Abhishek wrote to the Returning Officer, demanding strict verification of voter identity. The party said proper identity checks for every voter were essential to ensure free, fair, and transparent polling.

Voting Continues Amid Tight Security

Despite the tensions, polling continued across the constituency. Nawada MP Vivek Thakur cast his vote along with his father, Dr. C.P. Thakur. Meanwhile, JD(U) MLA Shyam Rajak said after voting that the election in Bankipur was peaceful and described the contest as “one-sided.”

The district administration stated that adequate security forces had been deployed at all polling stations and that all necessary measures were being taken to ensure the by-election was conducted peacefully, fairly, and transparently.