Prashant Kishor takes oath as Bankipur MLA after first Jan Suraaj victory

Prashant Kishor takes oath as Bankipur MLA after first Jan Suraaj victory TOI News Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Aug 17, 2026, 11:47 IST Comments Share AA Text Size Small Medium Large Prashant Kishor takes office as MLA NEW DELHI: Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor on Monday took oath as the Bankipur MLA at the Bihar Legislative Assembly, following his victory in the Bankipur Assembly by-election.In Bihar’s urban constituency of Bankipur, a BJP stronghold since 1995, Prashant Kishor secured his first electoral victory, defeating his nearest rival by 19,324 votes. The seat was vacated by BJP national president Nitin Nabin.Kishor had said he was not seeking a “safe seat” and had deliberately chosen to contest from Bankipur to send a message that voters in Bihar should move beyond caste and religion.The victory marks Kishor’s first electoral win since launching the Jan Suraaj Party, which failed to win a seat in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. The Bankipur by-election recorded a voter turnout of 34.24 per cent, according to the Election Commission. After the results, Kishor said, “This time, the people of Bankipur have made us win, and they have done so because they have hope and trust that we will raise our voices for their rights to the best of our ability, and we will make every possible effort to ensure nothing wrong happens to them.”Kishor said his agenda was not limited to Bankipur but was focused on a broader goal for Bihar. The TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most."