Who Is Neeraj Sinha? BJP's Yuva Morcha Leader Against Prashant Kishore In Bankipur Bypoll Battle

Last Updated:July 10, 2026, 20:23 IST

A native of Patna, Neeraj Kumar Sinha has been associated with the BJP for nearly two decades.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday named Neeraj Kumar Sinha as its candidate for the Bankipur Assembly bypoll in Bihar after its earlier nominee Abhishek Kumar Sinha withdrew from the contest citing family reasons.

The development came a day after Abhishek Kumar Sinha filed his nomination papers. Following his withdrawal, the BJP replaced him with 32-year-old Neeraj Kumar Sinha, a long-time party worker with roots in the organisation’s grassroots structure.

“The party leadership has given me an opportunity. I will take their work forward and I am going to work under the guidance of National President Nitin Nabin Ji. There is no challenge. They are all like elder brothers, and I will receive their blessings. I am going to contest the election with all the party workers," Neeraj said.

The Bankipur seat fell vacant after BJP national president Nitin Nabin resigned from the Assembly constituency following his elevation to the party’s top post. The bypoll will be held on July 30, with counting of votes scheduled for August 3. The last date for filing nominations is July 13.

Who Is Neeraj Kumar Sinha?

A native of Patna, Neeraj Kumar Sinha has been associated with the BJP for nearly two decades. He became a primary member of the party in 2006 and gradually rose through the ranks by working at the booth and mandal levels.

Sinha started his organisational journey as a Booth Chief in Narendra Bharati Mandal and later served as Mandal Mahamantri.

Recognising his organisational work and connect with young party workers, the BJP appointed him as the District Vice President of the BJP Yuva Morcha.

A BA graduate, Sinha belongs to a family with a long association with the BJP’s ideological roots. His uncle Narendra Bharati was a worker from the Jan Sangh era and passed away in 1984. After his death, the local mandal was named after him in recognition of his contribution.

Why Did Abhishek Kumar Sinha Withdraw His Nomination?

BJP’s earlier candidate Abhishek Kumar Sinha announced his decision to withdraw from the Bankipur bypoll, citing family reasons.

In a statement, he said he was grateful to the BJP leadership for selecting him as the NDA candidate but was unable to contest the election due to personal circumstances.

“I wish to humbly inform you that, due to family reasons, I am unable to contest the Assembly by-election. I will continue to serve faithfully as a party worker," he said.

He also confirmed that he had submitted his withdrawal letter to BJP state president Sanjay Saraogi.

Why Bankipur Bypoll Has Become A Prestige Battle For BJP

The Bankipur Assembly bypoll has gained significance for the BJP as the constituency has remained a party stronghold for several years.

The election will be the first bypoll in Bihar after Samrat Choudhary took charge as Chief Minister, making the contest an important test for the BJP-led alliance.

The seat was represented by Nitin Nabin for five consecutive terms before he vacated it after becoming BJP national president. Before him, his father Naveen Kishore Prasad Sinha had represented the constituency.

The BJP is now looking to retain the seat by relying on its organisational network and Sinha’s grassroots connect.

Neeraj Kumar Sinha’s Challenge: Prashant Kishor Factor

Neeraj Kumar Sinha will face a high-profile contest against Jan Suraaj Party founder and political strategist Prashant Kishor, along with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidate Rekha Kumari.

Kishor, who has emerged as a new political force in Bihar, is seeking to expand the footprint of his Jan Suraaj movement through electoral politics. However, his party failed to open account in 2025 Bihar polls.

RJD’s Rekha Kumari is also a strong contender, having contested from Bankipur in the 2025 Assembly elections and finished second.

With BJP defending its traditional stronghold and new political players attempting to challenge its dominance, the Bankipur bypoll is expected to become one of the most closely watched contests in Bihar.

About the Author

Saurabh VermaSenior Sub-editor

Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Chief Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

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