Prashant Kishor (File photo)
NEW DELHI: Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor on Sunday claimed that the ruling BJP is “trembling with fear” over his decision to contest the Bankipur assembly bypoll, a move that marks his electoral debut.”One man has stood up, and the entire BJP, from top to bottom, is trembling with fear,” Kishor told reporters while campaigning in the bypoll-bound constituency.He claimed that the ruling party, which had earlier taken the contest lightly, is now going door to door seeking votes.”Until yesterday, they believed they would win regardless of whom they fielded. Today, their leaders and ministers are visiting every ward and every household. This is the power of democracy,” the former poll strategist said. He also alleged that BJP workers were distributing money and food to influence voters.Urging people to reject such practices, Kishor appealed to voters to teach those politicians a lesson through the ballot.Kishor further stated that the Jan Suraaj’s objective is to offer people a “credible political alternative.””We want people to have a choice so that no political party can continue seeking votes merely by invoking the fear of Lalu Prasad. This political culture must end. People should free themselves from political bondage and elect the right candidate,” he added, referring to the RJD leader and former Bihar chief minister.Bankipur, in Bihar’s Patna district, has been a BJP bastion since the constituency came into existence. The saffron party has won all four assembly elections held from the seat so far.The constituency was represented by BJP leader Nitin Nabin, who won each of those elections and is now the party’s national president. The seat fell vacant in April after Nabin was elected to the Rajya Sabha, triggering the bypoll. The bypoll to the Bankipur assembly constituency will be held on July 30, while counting of votes is scheduled for August 3.(With PTI inputs)
