Bihar: Polling underway in high-stakes Bankipur bypollPolling for the Bankipur Assembly by-election in Patna began peacefully on Thursday, with 25 candidates contesting. By IANS Published Date - 30 July 2026, 10:30 AMPatna: Polling is underway for the prestigious Bankipur Assembly by-election in Patna, with 25 candidates in the fray. Polling began peacefully on Thursday morning, with voters arriving steadily at polling stations, although long queues were seen during the early hours at some places. Jan Suraaj convener and Bankipur candidate Prashant Kishor spoke to reporters after arriving at the Jakkanpur police station late on Wednesday night. A control room has been established to monitor polling, while authorities have prohibited unnecessary gatherings near polling booths to maintain law and order.