Bankipur By-Poll Sees Record Low Voter Turnout of 34.30%

The Bankipur by-poll in Patna, Bihar, concluded peacefully on Thursday, with a record low voter turnout of 34.30%. The Election Commission of India released the estimated voter turnout, which may be revised with fresh inputs.

The by-election was necessitated after BJP national president Nitin Nabin was elected to the Rajya Sabha. The BJP fielded Neeraj Kumar Sinha, a low-key youth wing leader, while the RJD re-nominated Rekha Gupta as its candidate.

Jan Suraaj Party founder and candidate Prashant Kishor intensified the contest, leaving no stone unturned to wrest the Bankipur seat from the BJP, which has won the seat since 1995. Kishor accused the police of detaining more than 16 of his supporters allegedly at the behest of the ruling party.

Physical scuffles and clashes occurred between supporters of the BJP and Jan Suraaj at various places during the polling. As many as 39 people were arrested or detained for disturbing the polling process or indulging in other offences.

The voter turnout in the Bankipur constituency has been declining over the years. In the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, the estimated voter turnout was 40.97%. In 2020, the seat recorded a turnout of 35.92%, while it was 40.25% in 2015, and 36.96% in 2010.

BJP State President Sanjay Saraogi expressed confidence in winning the by-poll by a massive majority. He accused Kishor of creating drama and staging protests.

Union Minister and JD (U) leader Rajiv Ranjan Singh aka Lalan Singh visited Patna from New Delhi to cast his vote. A total of 379,616 voters were eligible to cast their votes in the Bankipur constituency.

The low voter turnout has raised concerns about the democratic process. The by-poll result will be closely watched, as it may have implications for the state's political landscape.

The Bankipur by-poll has seen a intense campaign, with all parties leaving no stone unturned to win the seat. The result will be a significant indicator of the parties' strengths and weaknesses in the state.

In conclusion, the Bankipur by-poll has seen a record low voter turnout, with the BJP confident of winning the seat. The result will be closely watched, and its implications will be felt in the state's political landscape.