Rupauli bypoll results: Who is independent candidate Shankar Singh who beat JD(U)'s Kaladhar Prasad Mandal?

In a rather astonishing turn of events, an independent candidate and a former Bihar MLA Shankar Singh has won the Rupauli bypoll election against the ruling Janata Dal (United), as per the election commission (EC).

Voting for the bypolls in seven states including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar and Tamil Nadu were held on July 10.

As per EC trends, Shankar Singh beat JD(U)'s Kaladhar Prasad Mandal with a margin of more than 8,000 votes.


Who is Shankar Singh
Shankar Singh, a prominent figure in Bihar politics, has served as a member of the Bihar Legislative Assembly representing the Rupauli constituency from February 2005 to November 2005 on the ticket of Lok Janshakti Party.

Known for being the commander of the North Bihar Liberation Army, Singh has been a significant player in the region's political landscape.

In 2000, he succeeded the founder of this Rajput militia, Butan Singh, who was murdered in Purnea court by unknown assailants.

Singh's tenure is marked by the influence of his militia, which has been involved in various activities, including voter intimidation and booth capturing.

All about Bihar Bypoll elections
The Bihar bypoll saga is a close knit battle between JD(U)'s Kaladhar Prasad Mandal, independent candidate Shankar Singh and RJD's Bima Bharti.

The by-election was announced after sitting MLA Bima Bharti resigned. She had won the seat for JD(U) several times but quit the Nitish Kumar-led part ahead of the General Elections to contest in the Parliament race on a RJD ticket.

Following her loss in the Lok Sabha election, she contested the bypoll as an RJD candidate.