Tensions Rise During Bankipur By-Election Amid Clashes Between BJP and Jan Suraj Supporters

Patna, July 30: Tensions escalated in Patna during the Bankipur Assembly by-election on Thursday, as clashes erupted between supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Jan Suraj near polling booths in Kidwaipuri.

Police on the scene intervened promptly to control the situation. The altercation occurred outside polling booths number 101, 102, and 103.

Jan Suraj activists accused former BJP candidate Bunty of attempting to intimidate voters at the polling station. The BJP has not publicly responded to these allegations. Officers present at the booths acted quickly to prevent the situation from deteriorating, dispersing supporters from both sides.

After the situation was stabilized, voting resumed. This confrontation followed heightened political tensions just before the voting commenced.

On Wednesday night, Patna police and the Special Task Force detained around 20 leaders and activists from the Jan Suraj party. According to police, those detained were allegedly attempting to disrupt the election and spread rumors. No public information has been released regarding these specific allegations.

Following their detention, Jan Suraj founder Prashant Kishor arrived at the Jakkanpur police station late Wednesday night to protest the police action alongside party supporters.

Speaking to the media, Kishor accused the government of acting out of panic. He stated that if any Jan Suraj member committed a crime, the police should file a case and take legal action. However, he questioned the legality of detaining party workers without informing their families or associates of their whereabouts.

He claimed that around 15 to 16 party leaders remain missing and warned that if the police do not clarify the reasons for their detention, the legitimacy of these actions could be challenged.

Jan Suraj’s national spokesperson Kumar Saurabh Singh and the party’s women’s wing president Pratibha Singh described the police actions as one-sided, alleging that their members are being specifically targeted. The party also claimed that police and STF teams have been conducting continuous raids in various areas of Patna.

These allegations have been made by Jan Suraj, and the police have not publicly responded to any specific claims. Meanwhile, voting for the Bankipur Assembly by-election continued under tight security.

BJP National President Nitin Naveen appealed to voters via social media, urging them to participate in large numbers. He emphasized that every vote is crucial for the future of Bankipur, Manjlapur, and Datia. He expressed confidence that voters would once again support the BJP’s agenda of development, good governance, and public service.