BJP rattled by Jan Suraaj's entry into Bankipur bypoll, claims Prashant Kishor

Patna, Jul 18 (PTI) Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor, who is contesting the Bankipur assembly bypoll, on Saturday claimed that the BJP was "trembling with fear" over his party's entry into the contest and had mobilised its entire organisation to retain the seat. Speaking to reporters during his 'padyatra' in the poll-bound constituency, Kishor alleged that despite Jan Suraaj having only a limited organisational presence in Bankipur, the BJP had deployed thousands of workers to protect what he described as its "fortress". "One man has stood up, and the entire BJP, from top to bottom, is trembling with fear," he claimed. The bypoll to the Bankipur assembly constituency will be held on July 30, while counting of votes is scheduled for August 3. Kishor alleged that BJP leaders, who had earlier paid little attention to the constituency, were now going door to door seeking votes. "Until yesterday, they believed they would win regardless of whom they fielded. Today, their leaders and ministers are visiting every ward and every household. This is the power of democracy," he said. The former poll strategist said his party's objective was to provide voters with a credible political alternative. "We want people to have a choice so that no political party can continue seeking votes merely by invoking the fear of Lalu Prasad. This political culture must end. People should free themselves from political bondage and elect the right candidate," he said. Kishor also alleged that BJP workers were distributing money and food to influence voters and urged people not to be swayed by such inducements. "People may accept whatever is being offered to them, but on polling day they should teach such politicians a lesson by voting against them," he said. PTI SUK SOM