Daijiworld Media Network - Patna
Patna, Jul 28: With polling for the Bankipur Assembly by-election just two days away, former Bihar chief minister and Janata Dal (United) president Nitish Kumar on Monday appealed to voters to support National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate Neeraj Kumar Sinha.
In a video message released ahead of the July 30 bypoll, Kumar urged the electorate to vote for the NDA nominee, saying every vote would be crucial in sustaining Bihar's development and fulfilling the vision of a developed state.
Addressing the people of Bankipur, Kumar highlighted the achievements of his government over the past two decades.
"With the trust, support and blessings of the people over the past two decades, our government has worked with complete honesty for good governance, justice and development," he said.
Appealing for support to the NDA candidate, he added, "To maintain the pace of Bihar's development and fulfil the resolve of building a developed Bihar, every single vote is extremely important. I appeal to all voters to bless NDA's young candidate Neeraj Kumar Sinha and ensure his victory with a huge mandate."
Backing Sinha's candidature, Bharatiya Janata Party national president Nitin Navin described him as a dedicated grassroots worker who had risen through the party ranks.
"I am confident that Neeraj Sinha's victory will set a new benchmark. He began his political journey as a booth president, later served as a mandal president, and today is contesting as the BJP and NDA alliance candidate," Navin said while campaigning for the bypoll.
The Bankipur Assembly seat fell vacant after five-time MLA Nitin Navin was elected to the Lok Sabha. The by-election is being closely watched as a key political contest ahead of the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections and is expected to provide an early indication of the political mood in urban Bihar.
The Election Commission of India had announced by-elections to three Assembly constituencies on July 2, including Bankipur in Bihar, Datia in Madhya Pradesh and Manjalpur in Gujarat. Polling for all three seats will be held on July 30, while counting of votes is scheduled for August 3.