PATNA: Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor on Thursday alleged that Bihar Police detained several of his supporters just hours before voting in the Bankipur Assembly bypoll, accusing the ruling BJP of using the police machinery because it feared losing the seat. Kishor, who is contesting the by-election, claimed that more than 16 people associated with his campaign had been picked up ahead of polling. He alleged that the action was taken at the behest of the BJP and questioned why his supporters were being detained at such a crucial stage of the election. The allegations surfaced on polling day, immediately adding a political controversy to the closely watched contest. According to the report, police officials had not immediately responded to Kishor’s allegations, meaning his claims about political pressure had not been independently established at the time.

Kishor linked the alleged police action directly to the electoral battle in Bankipur, claiming the BJP was nervous about the outcome and therefore targeting people working with his campaign. The Jan Suraaj leader has been attempting to expand his party’s political presence in Bihar and the Bankipur bypoll has emerged as an important test for the organisation. His decision to personally enter the contest has also increased attention around the seat. With polling underway, the alleged detention of campaign workers quickly became part of the political narrative surrounding the election. Kishor maintained that the action against his supporters was politically motivated and portrayed it as an attempt to weaken his organisation immediately before voters went to polling stations. The BJP, however, was accused by Kishor; the available report did not establish evidence showing that the party had directed Bihar Police to carry out the alleged detentions.

The controversy comes at a sensitive time as the Bankipur electorate votes to choose its representative, with political parties closely watching turnout and developments on the ground. Kishor’s allegation that his supporters were picked up shortly before voting is likely to keep the focus on the conduct of the administration as well as the political contest itself. For Jan Suraaj, the bypoll is significant because it provides another opportunity to measure the party’s support on the ground after Kishor’s transition from political strategist to active politician. Bankipur, located in Patna, has consequently become a closely watched battleground. The immediate question now is whether Bihar Police will provide a detailed explanation regarding the alleged detentions and the reasons behind them. Until such an official response emerges, the claim that the action was carried out under political pressure remains an allegation made by Kishor. With voting taking place amid the controversy, the final result will also show whether Jan Suraaj has been able to convert its campaign and Kishor’s personal political appeal into electoral support in the constituency.