What happened (Bankipur by-election, 30 July)

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor criticised the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the Bankipur by-election scheduled for 30 July. Prashant Kishor alleged that BJP campaign activities were using district administration resources and deploying “Jeevika Didis” as part of campaigning.

Prashant Kishor also announced a time-bound escalation. Prashant Kishor said he would hold a sit-in outside the office of the State Election Commission if the alleged practices were not stopped within 24 hours.

Background and earlier position (as described in the available information)

Prashant Kishor alleged that “Jeevika Didis” were used for voter awareness with welfare-benefit-linked messaging to influence women’s voting. Prashant Kishor alleged that women were told they would lose welfare benefits such as ration and pension if they did not vote for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Prashant Kishor argued that deleting a social media post is not enough. Prashant Kishor said Patna District Magistrate Kundan Kumar should issue an order barring women associated with Jeevika and related employees from being part of election processes.

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