New Delhi: The by-election for the Bankipur Assembly seat in Bihar has become a topic of widespread discussion. The seat fell vacant following the resignation of BJP leader Nitin Navin. Prashant Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraaj Party, added an interesting twist to the contest by entering the fray. Political analysts consider the Bankipur seat an impregnable BJP stronghold, yet Prashant Kishor has mounted a stiff challenge this time.
The picture will become clear only when the election results are declared on August 3. Meanwhile, the voter turnout—which was less than 35 per cent—has taken political parties by surprise. The candidates in the fray include Prashant Kishor (Jan Suraaj Party), Neeraj Kumar Sinha (BJP), and Rekha Gupta (RJD). Consequently, people are wondering which political party might benefit from this low turnout.
Low Voter Turnout in Bankipur
The by-election for Bihar’s Bankipur Assembly seat recorded a total voter turnout of 34.3 per cent. This is considered significantly lower than the 40.97% turnout recorded during the 2025 Bihar elections. The drop in voting percentage has sparked speculation about which party stands to gain. Political analysts suggest that a low turnout alone does not guarantee an advantage for any single party; the outcome will depend largely on which party’s workers and supporters were more successful in getting voters out of their homes to cast their ballots.
Voting Trends in the General Election
In the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, BJP candidate (and current party leader) Nitin Navin won the Bankipur seat by securing 98,299 votes (63.25%). RJD candidate Rekha Kumari finished second with 46,363 votes (29.83%), while Vandana Kumari, the candidate fielded by Prashant Kishor, received 7,717 votes.
Overall, the BJP won by a margin of 51,936 votes. This time, a decline of approximately 7 per cent in voter turnout was recorded. It would be premature to conclude that any single party holds an advantage based solely on the low turnout. If BJP supporters and workers succeed in getting voters out of their homes and to the polling booths, they will certainly benefit.
A close contest expected
If opposition voters turn out enthusiastically and BJP supporters also succeed in mobilising people, the contest is likely to be decisive. Ultimately, the result will depend on which party is more effectively motivated to get its supporters to vote. Low voter turnout could actually be good news for the BJP, provided its traditional voters turn out in large numbers.
However, all eyes are now fixed on the vote counting scheduled for Monday, August 3. Most people believe the contest will be primarily between Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor and the BJP candidate. This time, the RJD is expected to slip to the third spot.
