Patna, July 24 (IANS). In an important political development before the Bankipur assembly by-election in Bihar, Janashakti Janata Dal (JJD) national president Tej Pratap Yadav has announced his party’s support to Jan Suraj candidate Prashant Kishore.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Tej Pratap Yadav said that after internal discussions, his party has unanimously decided to support Prashant Kishor in the by-election.
“Our party members and I have decided who to support. We are supporting Prashant Kishor,” he said.
Tej Pratap Yadav said that he had spoken to Prashant Kishore during the day. He said that Prashant Kishore said that BJP should not be allowed to win Bankipur seat and stopping his victory reflects the wishes of many people.
Tej Pratap said he agreed with the idea and reiterated his support towards the ongoing protests by students and youth on issues like NEET paper leak.
He said the protests reflected widespread public discontent and argued that the issues raised by the students should be given serious attention.
Tej Pratap Yadav alleged that exam paper leaks have become a common problem in Bihar and criticized the government over the way it dealt with the issue.
He claimed that despite repeated incidents of examination malpractices, no effective action has been taken and said the state’s education system is facing serious challenges. He also criticized the state of the healthcare system and alleged that it needed considerable improvement.
Referring to the students’ demonstration and protest at Jantar Mantar, Tej Pratap said that these movements highlight the concerns of the public on issues like transparency and accountability in examinations.
He said that Bankipur has traditionally been considered the stronghold of the Bharatiya Janata Party, but claimed that now the public sentiment is in favor of political change.
He also mentioned Janashakti Janata Dal leader Veena Manvi and said that she has been active in the constituency for about 15 years and enjoys support among women voters.
He said that after discussion within the party, JJD decided to support Prashant Kishor in case it is not its candidate. JJD had initially named Veena Manvi as its candidate for the Bankipur by-election. However, his nomination was canceled during the scrutiny process. With no candidate left in the contest, the party has now officially announced its support to Prashant Kishore.
With this support, a new twist has come in the high profile Bankipur by-election. The election has attracted considerable political attention and several parties have campaigned vigorously ahead of the vote on July 30.
–IANS
ASH/VC
