Police Responds to Allegations of Bias During Bankipur By-Election

Patna, July 30: During the Bankipur Assembly by-election, Prashant Kishor, the founder of the Jan Suraj party and its candidate, accused the administration of biased actions against his party’s workers. In response, the Patna police issued a press release clarifying that legal action was taken against external individuals involved in election campaigning, in accordance with the Election Commission’s guidelines during the silence period.

In a media interaction during the voting, Kishor claimed that the administration was targeting Jan Suraj workers while taking no action against workers from other parties. He alleged that the police were acting unilaterally, which he argued contradicted the spirit of fair elections.

Earlier, after some individuals were taken into custody, Kishor arrived at the Jakkanpur police station late Wednesday night with party supporters to protest the police actions. He stated that if any Jan Suraj worker committed an offense, a legal case should be filed against them. However, he criticized the detention of individuals without prior information. He also claimed that the families and associates of those detained were not informed about their status.

Meanwhile, a press release from the social media cell of the Senior Superintendent of Police in Patna stated that the silence period, which begins 48 hours before voting, prohibits all election campaigning. During this time, all individuals involved in campaigning who are not voters in the relevant constituency must leave the area.

According to the police, during routine checks and verifications, the presence of individuals from other districts was noted, along with indications of their involvement in election campaigning. Following the Election Commission’s directives and to maintain law and order, necessary legal actions were taken, resulting in their preventive detention.

The police further stated their commitment to ensuring fair, peaceful, and fear-free voting, emphasizing that all necessary steps are being taken in accordance with the Election Commission’s instructions.