Patna, July 13 (IANS) The Bankipur Assembly by-election witnessed a major political show of strength on the final day of nominations as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Neeraj Kumar Sinha Bharti filed his nomination papers at the Patna Collectorate in the presence of senior leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The nomination programme saw the participation of several prominent NDA leaders, including CM Samrat Chaudhary, BJP state president Sanjay Saraogi, and other alliance leaders, highlighting the coalition’s united campaign for the high-profile by-election.

Before filing his nomination, Sinha began the day by offering prayers at the Panchrupi Hanuman Temple, accompanied by BJP MLAs Sanjay Gupta and Sanjeev Chaurasia. He later visited Naveen Sinha Smriti Park, where he paid floral tributes to the statue of the late Naveen Sinha, the father of Union Minister Nitin Nabin.

Following the ceremonial visits, Sinha proceeded from the BJP office in a specially decorated campaign chariot. Thousands of BJP and NDA supporters accompanied the procession to the Collectorate, raising slogans in support of the party candidate. The alliance projected the roadshow as a demonstration of organisational strength ahead of the by-election.

Senior NDA leaders participating in the programme included Ravi Shankar Prasad, MP from Patna Sahib, Umesh Kushwaha, Janata Dal (United) State President, and Raju Tiwari, LJPRV MLA.

The Bankipur by-election has emerged as one of Bihar’s most closely watched political contests. The BJP is seeking to retain the seat with Sinha after replacing its earlier nominee Abhishek Kumar alias Banty. Meanwhile, Prashant Kishor is contesting the election on behalf of Jan Suraaj, while the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has fielded its own candidate, making the contest a keenly fought multi-cornered battle.

With all major political parties intensifying their campaigns, the Bankipur by-election is expected to be a significant test of organisational strength and electoral strategy for Bihar’s leading political formations. The Bankipur assembly seat fell vacant after BJP National President Nitin Nabin resigned following his elevation to the Rajya Sabha.

–IANS

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