Patna, July 16 (IANS) The district administration has completed all arrangements for the 2026 by‑election to the 182‑Bankipur Assembly constituency, with polling to be conducted under enhanced security and monitoring.

Patna District Magistrate‑cum‑Returning Officer Kundan Kumar and Senior Superintendent of Police Karthikeya Sharma said logistical and security preparations have been finalised to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election.

The Bankipur constituency has 3,79,616 registered voters, including 2,00,060 male voters, 1,79,533 female voters, and 23 third‑gender voters.

A total of 422 polling stations have been set up, with 247 in government buildings, 175 in private buildings, and 29 mobile polling stations arranged where required.

During nominations, 40 candidates filed papers. After scrutiny, 26 were found valid, and one withdrew. As a result, 25 candidates remain in the contest.

Transparency measures include webcasting at polling stations, mobile monitoring for officials, and acceptance of 12 alternative photo identity documents for voter identification.

Authorities have seized two illegal firearms, 16 live cartridges, Rs 2.785 lakh in unaccounted cash, 2,652 litres of liquor, and other objectionable materials during enforcement drives.

Counting of votes will be held at Kala Bhavan, AN College, Patna.

The by‑poll follows the resignation of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Nitin Nabin, who was elected from Bankipur in the 2025 Bihar Assembly election.

The contest is expected to be triangular between the BJP, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and Jan Suraaj candidates.

–IANS

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