Patna: The battle for Bankipur took a new turn on Sunday after Jan Suraaj candidate Prashant Kishor accused the BJP of using Jeevika didis for electoral gains and warned of a dharna outside the Election Commission office if they were not removed from poll-related activities. The bypoll for the seat is scheduled for July 30.Addressing reporters in Patna, Kishor alleged that the BJP, under pressure in the bypoll, was employing various means to secure votes. “The BJP has engaged Jeevika didis to influence voters,” he said, claiming beneficiaries of govt schemes were being told to support the ruling party candidate to continue receiving benefits.Kishor said Jan Suraaj had given the Election Commission a 24-hour ultimatum to act.
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“If they are not removed from the poll process by Monday, we will stage a dharna outside the EC office,” he said, terming the alleged practice “unconstitutional and illegal”.The Jan Suraaj leader also said his party would welcome members of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) if they came to Bihar and worked for students’ issues.Referring to the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Kishor described it as “the power of students’ protest”. “The govt surrendered before the students’ agitation and Pradhan had to go. This is just the beginning. More things will happen in the days to come,” he said.He added that while opposition parties may weaken, the opposition itself cannot be eliminated.
