Jan Suraj Leaders Join BJP Ahead of Bankipur Bypoll, Setback for Prashant Kishor
Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraj Party has suffered a political setback ahead of the upcoming Bankipur Assembly bypoll in Bihar, with several of its senior leaders switching allegiance to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) just days before polling.
The Bankipur by-election is scheduled for July 30, where Prashant Kishor is contesting against BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar Sinha. The seat fell vacant after BJP national president Nitin Nabin resigned following his nomination to the Rajya Sabha.
Among those who joined the BJP are noted mathematician K.C. Sinha, former Jan Suraj candidates Ritesh Ranjan (Bittu Singh) and Gopal Singh, as well as the party's Kisan Morcha district president Braj Kishore Sinha. Several of the leaders had previously contested Bihar Assembly elections on Jan Suraj Party tickets.
Bittu Singh, who had contested from the Digha Assembly constituency, joined the BJP along with his wife, Vineeta, who had earlier contested the mayoral election. K.C. Sinha had represented Jan Suraj from Kumhrar, while Gopal Singh contested from the Maner constituency.
The leaders were formally welcomed into the BJP by the party's Bihar unit president Sanjay Saraogi, who said the BJP continues to attract leaders from other parties because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and the party's policies.
Explaining his decision, K.C. Sinha said national interest was his priority, adding that India needed strong leadership to strengthen its position globally. He also emphasized the importance of education in restoring India's status as a global leader.
Ritesh Ranjan Singh expressed regret over joining Jan Suraj, saying his earlier decision had been taken "in the heat of the moment." He apologised and declared that he intended to remain with the BJP permanently.
Gopal Singh described his return to the BJP as a "homecoming," noting that he had previously worked with the party during the 1990s. Criticising Jan Suraj, he claimed the organisation lacked a clear vision and alleged that internal leadership issues influenced his decision to leave.
The defections come shortly after Prashant Kishor criticised the BJP for changing its Bankipur candidate after he filed his nomination, adding another political twist to the closely watched Bihar bypoll.
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