BJP Gains Jan Suraaj Defectors Ahead of Bankipur By-Election

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strengthened its position in Bihar by inducting senior leaders and workers from Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj party on July 15 and 16, 2026. The defections, which included former assembly candidates Gopal Singh, KC Sinha, and Bittu Singh, occurred shortly before the July 30 Bankipur Assembly by-election. The vacancy was created after BJP national president Nitin Nabin was elected to the Rajya Sabha in March.

To support its candidate, Neeraj Kumar Sinha, the BJP inaugurated the National Democratic Alliance election office in Patna on July 14. Nitin Nabin endorsed Sinha as a dedicated party worker, while Sinha predicted a record-breaking victory. Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi attributed the mass joining of Jan Suraaj members to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Defecting leaders criticized the leadership of Jan Suraaj, with Gopal Singh describing Prashant Kishor as arrogant and lacking vision. KC Sinha stated that strengthening the central government was paramount to India's global resonance. In response, Prashant Kishor criticized the BJP for changing its candidate for the Bankipur seat, mocking the party's previous confidence in its ability to win the constituency regardless of the candidate.