NEW DELHI: Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor on Friday claimed the BJP was “struggling” in the Bankipur assembly bypoll after its original candidate withdrew from the contest, saying the development showed that no constituency was anyone’s “stronghold or personal fiefdom.“His remarks came hours after BJP candidate Abhishek Kumar Sinha withdrew from the July 30 bypoll, citing “family reasons”. The party subsequently named Neeraj Kumar Sinha as its new candidate from the constituency, where Kishor is making his electoral debut.“This demonstrates that no Assembly or Lok Sabha constituency is anyone’s stronghold or personal fiefdom. If the public rises, even the most prominent leaders can be made to sweat. Regarding Bankipur, a constituency where, until recently, BJP members boasted that their fortress was so strong that even if they fielded a dog or a cat, the public would vote for them, the situation has changed. Now that the public has an alternative, the BJP is struggling to find a candidate...Today, it appears that their own candidate has stepped away from the electoral contest for some reason. Let them deal with that situation now. When the results are declared on the 3rd, a full reckoning will take place…” Kishor said.The Jan Suraaj chief also claimed the BJP’s supporters wanted a different face to lead Bihar, taking aim at chief minister Samrat Chaudhary.“The BJP has also realised that the public is not necessarily opposed to the party itself. Even their own supporters, workers, and leaders, who have voted for them, have a clear view: a person like Samrat Chaudhary, considering his conduct, character, and public image, cannot simply be imposed as the Chief Minister of Bihar. You are free to appoint a Chief Minister from any community; that is not the issue. The important thing is to choose a capable and deserving person. Select someone with integrity and education so that Bihar can progress…” he said.The Bankipur by-election was necessitated after BJP national president Nitin Nabin resigned from the assembly seat following his election to the Rajya Sabha earlier this year. The constituency has long been considered a BJP stronghold.Voting for the bypoll will be held on July 30, while counting is scheduled for August 3. The contest has drawn attention as it marks Kishor’s first electoral contest after launching the Jan Suraaj party.
