Patna, July 9 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for the Bankipur Assembly by-election, Abhishek Kumar Sinha alias Bunty, filed his nomination papers on Thursday, with senior party leaders and a large number of supporters accompanying him in a display of organisational strength.

Before submitting his nomination, Sinha sought the blessings of his parents and offered prayers at a Hanuman temple, describing their support as the foundation of his political journey.

Sharing an emotional message on social media, he wrote that he would always remain indebted to his parents for their sacrifices, guidance, and unwavering support, adding that their blessings were his greatest source of strength.

After visiting a Hanuman temple, he proceeded to the Patna Collectorate near Gandhi Maidan to file his nomination papers.

Several senior BJP leaders were present during the nomination process, including Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi and MP Ravi Shankar Prasad.

A large number of BJP workers and supporters also participated in the programme, with the party using the occasion to demonstrate its organisational unity ahead of the by-election.

The Bankipur Assembly seat fell vacant after former MLA Nitin Nabin was elected to the Rajya Sabha.

The last date for nominations is July 13, polling will be held on July 30, and counting of votes will take place on August 3.

Bankipur has long been considered a BJP stronghold.

The constituency has remained with the BJP since 1995. Initially, it was represented by Navin Kishore Sinha, and following his demise, Nitin Nabin won multiple elections from the seat beginning in 2006 before moving to the Rajya Sabha.

The BJP has now entrusted Abhishek Kumar Sinha with the responsibility of retaining the constituency.

Sinha, who belongs to the Kayastha community, has been associated with the BJP and the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) for nearly 26 years.

Beginning his political career as a booth-level worker, he has served in several organisational roles, including Pataliputra Mandal, Patna Metropolitan BJYM, and Bihar BJYM.

He currently serves as the State Vice-President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Bihar, and has previously been the President of the Patna City BJYM.

The party believes his long organisational experience, membership drives, and close engagement with grassroots workers will strengthen its campaign in the by-election.

The Bankipur by-election is expected to witness a keen contest among major political parties.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has fielded Rekha Kumari Gupta as its candidate, who is also scheduled to file her nomination.

Meanwhile, Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor is expected to file his nomination on July 11.

With nominations underway, the Bankipur Assembly by-election has emerged as one of Bihar’s most closely watched political contests.

–IANS

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