Patna, July 11:Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor, who is set to make his electoral debut in the upcoming Bankipur Assembly by-election in Bihar, on Saturday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after its initial candidate withdrew from the contest, claiming the development reflects growing public support for political change.

His remarks came after the BJP replaced its original nominee, Abhishek Kumar Sinha alias Bunty, with Neeraj Kumar Sinha. Bunty withdrew his nomination on Friday, citing family reasons.

Speaking to IANS, Kishor questioned the BJP's confidence in what it has long described as one of its strongest constituencies.

"Bankipur has always been projected as a BJP stronghold, yet its candidate has withdrawn from the contest. This itself indicates the party's current position," Kishor said.

He further alleged that in recent years candidates from other political parties had often been pressured, persuaded, or induced to leave electoral contests, adding that this was the first time in many years that a BJP candidate had withdrawn from a by-election in a seat the party considered politically secure.

"The BJP leadership had claimed that the party would win the seat regardless of who was fielded. The withdrawal of its own candidate suggests that people are looking for a new political alternative. It reflects a growing desire for change," he said.

Kishor also argued that the withdrawal carried greater political significance because Bankipur is regarded as the political turf of BJP leader and Bihar minister Nitin Nabin.

"When the candidate of a party as large as the BJP withdraws from a by-election in its own stronghold, the situation speaks for itself," he added.

Responding to Kishor's remarks, BJP leader Jibesh Kumar dismissed the criticism and pointed to Jan Suraaj's poor electoral performance in the previous Bihar Assembly elections.

"Is this the same Prashant Kishor who contested all 243 Assembly seats and failed to win even one? Only two of his candidates managed to retain their security deposits. The NDA will win the Bankipur by-election with a comfortable majority," Kumar told reporters.

Meanwhile, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidate Rekha Gupta expressed confidence about her prospects, saying her focus remains on connecting with voters.

"My only objective is to reach the people and seek their blessings," Gupta said.

Commenting on the BJP candidate's withdrawal, she described it as a setback for the ruling alliance's election strategy.

"The NDA's strategy has failed at the very first stage. Their candidate has withdrawn, and soon the BJP will lose its grip on Bankipur as well," she said.

Gupta also expressed confidence that voters would elect her as their representative in the Bihar Assembly, saying she intends to become "the voice of the people."