'30-yr stronghold fell in 30 days': Prashant Kishor attacks BJP as he aims for historic Bankipur victory

Patna: Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has taken a swipe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying its long-standing stronghold in the Bankipur assembly constituency has fallen in just 30 days of his election campaign. The political strategist-turned-politician, who is contesting from Bankipur, claimed the voters have turned decisively against the BJP's three-decade-old dominance.

Speaking at a public rally, Kishor did not elaborate on the basis of his claim but said the people of the constituency are no longer willing to accept the same faces and unfulfilled promises. "What took 30 years to build has taken 30 days to dismantle," he asserted, drawing loud cheers from his supporters. His remarks are being seen as an attempt to position himself as the principal challenger to the BJP in the seat.

Bankipur, a key urban constituency in Patna, has been a BJP bastion for decades. The party has won the seat repeatedly, with senior leader Nand Kishore Yadav being the sitting MLA. The constituency is considered a prestige battle for the Jan Suraaj Party, as Kishor has deliberately chosen to contest from here to symbolically challenge the BJP in its own stronghold.

Kishor, who earlier served as an election strategist for several political parties, launched Jan Suraaj as a political outfit in 2024. He has positioned himself as a radical reformer, focusing on corruption, governance and social justice. His entry into direct electoral politics has been watched closely, and a victory in Bankipur would mark his first electoral win as a candidate, giving his party a crucial foothold in Bihar politics.

The BJP, however, dismissed Kishor's remarks as "wishful thinking" and said the people of Bankipur have consistently supported the party's development agenda. Party leaders pointed to the constituency's infrastructure and improved public services under BJP rule. "Bankipur will once again opt for stable governance, not slogans," a local BJP functionary said.

Political analysts note that Kishor's claim about the "30-year stronghold" falling may be premature. Election contests in Bankipur have historically leaned heavily towards the BJP, but shifting cast equations and anti-incumbency could complicate the picture. The Jan Suraaj campaign has focused on connecting with young voters and first-time electors, which could alter the traditional voting pattern.

The contest in Bankipur is not just about a seat in the Bihar legislative assembly. A win for Kishor would establish him as a serious political force in Bihar and could have implications for the broader anti-BJP front. Conversely, a loss would weaken his political credibility after years of high-profile backroom work.

With the election schedule expected soon, both parties have intensified their campaigns. Prashant Kishor has flagged several local issues, including unemployment and poor infrastructure, while the BJP is relying on the record of its sitting legislator. As voters prepare to decide, Kishor's prediction of a 30-day collapse is being tested in the polling booth.