Several Jan Suraaj Party leaders, including past assembly candidates, joined the BJP on Wednesday, dealing a setback to founder Prashant Kishor ahead of the Bankipur bypoll on July 30. The defectors include mathematician KC Sinha, Ritesh Ranjan, Gopal Singh, and Jan Suraaj’s Kisan Morcha district president Braj Kishore Sinha.
Key Jan Suraaj leaders switch to BJP
KC Sinha and Ritesh Ranjan had contested the 2025 Bihar assembly elections as Jan Suraaj candidates from Kumhrar and Digha, respectively. Gopal Singh had run from Maner. BJP state president Sanjay Saraogi inducted them, stating that politicians nationwide are joining the party, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies.
Reasons cited for the move
KC Sinha said he joined the BJP to advance India’s global leadership through education, emphasizing national interest amid global tensions. Ritesh Ranjan apologized for joining Jan Suraaj “in the heat of the moment” and pledged loyalty to the BJP. Gopal Singh called his return a “homecoming,” criticizing Jan Suraaj’s lack of vision and leadership.
The Bankipur bypoll will see Prashant Kishor face BJP nominee Neeraj Kumar Sinha. The defections come as both parties prepare for the July 30 contest.
