Bankipur By-Election: Congress Pushes for United Opposition Behind Prashant Kishor, RJD to Await Lalu-Tejashvi Verdict

Following the resignation of BJP's Nitin Nabin, Congress leader Rishi Mishra has urged opposition parties to field a joint candidate by backing Jan Suraj Party's Prashant Kishor to challenge the BJP's 40-year stronghold in Bankipur.

Courtesy: X/@PTI
Uday Raj Singh
Last Updated : Sunday, 05 July 2026
Follow us :

Patna: Congress thinks they can make a big play in the Bankipur by-election in Bihar. BJP national chief Nitin Navin resigned and left the seat empty and the re-voting is scheduled for July 30. Congress leader Rishi Mishra said that the opposition should unite and back Prashant Kishor. He said if they field separate candidates, BJP wins. RJD spokesman also said that whatever Lalu Prasad and Tejashvi Yadav decide, the party will follow.

Who is running the campaign?

Also Read

Prashant Kishor, the political strategist is running Jan Suraj Party. He's camping in Bankipur constantly. He's the one challenging BJP directly. PK has decided to fight this election himself.

What did Congress leader say?

Rishi Mishra said opposition parties should think about a common candidate. He said they need to talk to RJD and Congress leadership. Kishor should approach Lalu and Tejashvi. The opposition should support him to beat BJP. Mishra said Bankipur has been BJP's stronghold for 40-45 years. If they want to end that, they need to back one candidate.

What's RJD's position?

RJD spokesman Aejaz Ahmad said that the party will follow whatever Lalu and Tejashvi decide. All party workers and leaders will agree with that decision. The top leadership will make the call on alliances and candidates. Bankipur is considered the BJP territory. The party has held it for over 40 years. Nitin Nabin was the MLA since 2006. His father Navin Kishor represented the area before him from 1990. Now BJP has to defend it and this is a matter of prestige for them.

How ready is BJP?

The party is fully prepared for this by-election because they know what's at stake. Losing Bankipur would be a blow, so they're taking this seriously. But the main question is that Congress wants them too. RJD is waiting for Lalu and Tejashvi's decision. If they agree to back Prashant Kishor, then it may be confirmed but if not, multiple candidates split the opposition vote and BJP wins.

Tags :

Related News