Bihar: Patna admin completes preparations for Bankipur bypolls
Patna, July 16
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
Reader Comments
Interesting to see how this triangular contest shapes up. Nitin Nabin's resignation created a real shake-up. The RJD has been gaining ground in urban areas, but Jan Suraaj is a wild card. Let's see if the liquor and cash seizures actually deter people or if it's just theatre.
23 third-gender voters getting counted—that's the kind of inclusive politics we need to talk about more! 👏 Also, 25 candidates is a lot for one seat. Hopefully the campaigning stays issue-based rather than personal attacks. Patna deserves better than mudslinging.
The administration claims everything is ready, but let's be honest—in Bihar, bypolls often see muscle power and money playing a role. The liquor confiscation is a good sign, but 2.7 lakh cash is nothing compared to what actually flows. Need more proactive monitoring, especially on social media. #BankipurBypolls
As a Bankipur resident, I can say the atmosphere is tense but hopeful. The previous MLA did some good work on roads and water supply, but the new faces need to connect with youth. Let's see if Jan Suraaj's candidate brings fresh energy or just divides votes. Counting at AN College is convenient for us! 😄
Police seizing 16 live cartridges—that's alarming for a bypoll. The fact that "enhanced security" is needed shows how deep-rooted the issue is. I hope the EC ensures no intimidation at polling booths. Free and fair shouldn't just be a slogan.
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