Several Jan Suraaj Leaders Switch to BJP
In a significant political development ahead of the Bankipur Assembly by-election, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) welcomed several leaders from Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party, including former Assembly election candidates. The defections are being seen as a setback for Kishor as he prepares for the crucial electoral contest scheduled later this month.
Among those who joined the BJP are noted mathematician KC Sinha, Ritesh Ranjan alias Bittu Singh, Gopal Singh, and Jan Suraaj’s Kisan Morcha district president Braj Kishore Sinha. The induction was carried out by Bihar BJP president Sanjay Saraogi.
BJP Claims Growing Support
Welcoming the new entrants, Saraogi said the BJP was attracting leaders from across the political spectrum because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and the party’s policies.
He said the addition of experienced leaders would strengthen the BJP’s organisation in Bihar ahead of the upcoming elections.
Former Jan Suraaj Leaders Explain Their Decision
KC Sinha said he joined the BJP believing it was the right platform to contribute to India’s progress, particularly in the field of education.
Ritesh Ranjan admitted that joining Jan Suraaj had been a mistake made “in the heat of the moment” and apologised for his earlier decision. Declaring his commitment to the BJP, he said he intended to remain with the party permanently.
Gopal Singh described his return to the BJP as a “homecoming”, saying he had earlier worked with the party before contesting on a Jan Suraaj ticket. He alleged that Jan Suraaj lacked a clear vision and claimed organisational leadership within the party had become a concern.
Focus Shifts to Bankipur By-Election
The political realignment comes just days before the July 30 Bankipur Assembly bypoll, where Prashant Kishor is contesting against BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar Sinha. The latest defections are expected to intensify the political battle as both sides gear up for a high-profile contest in the constituency.
