Prashant Kishor, the founder of Jan Suraaj, has made a bold claim regarding an AI-generated video featuring former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. On July 28, Kishor alleged that the BJP-led NDA is using the video to sway voters ahead of the Bankipur Assembly by-election set for July 30. He has urged the BJP to authenticate the video’s origin, stating he would withdraw from the election if they could prove that Kumar had indeed made the remarks shown.

The timing of these claims is significant, as the Bankipur seat is historically one of the BJP’s safest urban constituencies in Bihar. Kishor is entering the electoral landscape for the first time, and his challenge to the BJP adds a dramatic element to the contest.

Kishor described the released video, which lasts 58 seconds, as a “deepfake,” asserting that it misrepresents Kumar and reflects the BJP’s desperation as they face a potential loss. He stated, “The video is fake; he has made no such statement.” His categorical confidence suggests he believes the voters in Bankipur are already inclined toward his campaign.

Bankipur By-Election: A Key Political Battleground

The Bankipur Assembly by-election was triggered by BJP national president Nitin Nabin’s resignation as MLA and his subsequent move to the Rajya Sabha in April. Kishor’s debut as a candidate is drawing considerable attention due to the constituency’s history, which has seen Nabin win five times and his father, Navin Kishore Prasad Sinha, serve for three terms.

The contest is not only significant for Kishor but also for the BJP, which is keen to maintain its influence in this important urban area. As the election approaches, political parties are intensifying their efforts to secure votes, with Kishor’s Jan Suraaj aiming to counter the established dominance of the BJP.

The BJP initially nominated Abhishek Kumar Sinha (Bunty) as their candidate, but he withdrew shortly afterward for personal reasons. Subsequently, the party has fielded 32-year-old Neeraj Kumar Sinha, a leader from the BJP’s youth wing, for this pivotal seat.

Understanding the Voter Demographics of Bankipur

The Bankipur Assembly constituency, previously part of the older Patna West seat, boasts an electorate of nearly four lakh voters, presenting a complex social dynamic. Communities such as Kayasths and Yadavs together constitute about 25 per cent of the voting population in this area. Historically, the BJP has garnered substantial support from Kayasths.

Additionally, the Muslim and Chandravanshi communities comprise a notable voting bloc accounting for around 20 per cent of the electorate. Other influential groups include Vaishyas, Dalits, Bhumihars, Rajputs, Brahmins, Kurmis, and Kushwahas, each representing between three per cent and eight per cent of the voter base. Understanding these demographics is crucial for both Kishor and the BJP as they strategise their outreach.

While Kishor focuses on development-oriented politics, the effectiveness of his voter outreach among these diverse groups remains to be seen. The election, scheduled for July 30, will also see votes counted on August 3, marking a significant moment in Bihar’s political landscape.

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