Bihar: BJP candidate Abhishek Kumar Bunty withdraws from Bankipur bypolls

Patna: In a significant development ahead of the Bankipur Assembly by-election, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Abhishek Kumar Sinha alias Bunty has withdrawn his candidature, just a day after filing his nomination papers.

The unexpected decision has created fresh political interest in the high-profile by-election, as the BJP will now have to decide on its next course of action.

Abhishek Kumar had filed his nomination on July 9 in the presence of several senior NDA leaders, with the BJP showcasing its organisational strength during the event. However, within 24 hours, he announced at a press conference that he would not contest the election, citing family reasons.

Announcing his decision, Abhishek said he has submitted a letter to State President Sanjay Saraogi. He added that the BJP had named him the NDA candidate for the Bankipur Assembly by-election, and he expressed his gratitude to the state leadership for this.

He informed that he is unable to contest the Assembly by-election due to family reasons and will continue to serve as a party worker.

He thanked the BJP leadership for reposing faith in him and reiterated his commitment to continue working for the party despite withdrawing from the contest.

The Bankipur Assembly seat, previously represented by BJP National President Nitin Nabin, became vacant after his election to the Rajya Sabha, necessitating the by-election.

Although the BJP had officially nominated Abhishek Kumar as the NDA candidate, his sudden withdrawal has taken party workers and political observers by surprise. As of now, the BJP has not announced a replacement candidate or indicated its strategy following the withdrawal.

The Bankipur by-election is one of the most closely watched electoral contests in Bihar, with candidates from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other parties also in the fray.

Abhishek’s decision to withdraw after filing his nomination marks an unexpected twist in the election, prompting speculation over the BJP’s next move. The party is now expected to announce a new candidate before the close of the nomination process.

IANS