Four Jan Suraaj leaders join BJP ahead of Bankipur Bypoll, dealing blow to Prashant Kishor

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor has suffered a political setback ahead of the high-profile Bankipur Assembly by-election in Bihar, with four senior leaders from his party joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The leaders, who had contested the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections on Jan Suraaj tickets, switched allegiance just days before the crucial bypoll, strengthening the BJP's campaign in the constituency.

The defections come at a critical time for Kishor, who is making his electoral debut from the BJP stronghold of Bankipur. The bypoll has attracted significant political attention, with both the BJP and Jan Suraaj treating it as a prestige battle. Political observers believe the latest exits could affect Jan Suraaj's organisational strength and campaign momentum in the run-up to polling.

The BJP welcomed the new entrants, describing the move as a sign of growing confidence in the party's leadership. Meanwhile, Jan Suraaj has not officially commented on the defections. The Bankipur by-election is being closely watched as an early test of Prashant Kishor's ability to convert his political outreach into electoral success.