The results of the Bankipur by-election have served as a 'wake-up call' not only for the Bihar government but also for the central government. This was not merely a by-election for a single assembly constituency; Prashant Kishor successfully framed it as a referendum on the Samrat Chaudhary government. The seat was vacated by BJP National President Nitin Nabin, putting his and the Chief Minister's credibility to the test. Being a local area of the capital Patna, it was relatively easy for the CM to monitor, but the results were surprising.

This outcome has forced both the Bihar and central governments to introspect. It has also, for now, saved Prashant Kishor's struggling political career. Just eight months prior, he faced a crushing defeat in the assembly elections, where his Jan Suraaj Party secured less than 3.5% of the votes, and 236 out of 238 candidates lost their deposits. However, this result from Bankipur has offered him new hope.

Several reasons are cited for the BJP's defeat, including disillusionment among party supporters, resentment from upper castes due to amendments in UGC regulations, anger among Brahmins over Bharat Tiwari's death in a police encounter, and the impact of the Gen-Z movement. These factors led to many BJP supporters becoming indifferent and not voting, resulting in only 34% voter turnout in Bankipur, which indicates public apathy.

Despite all this, the BJP's biggest strength remains the lack of credibility of the opposition. The general public believes that the opposition has no concrete plan beyond appeasing a particular community. The government needs to take strict measures against corruption and regain public trust. Simultaneously, there is a need to change the perception that government agencies harass those who protest. Elections in India are fair, and the BJP must take steps to restore public faith in its image as a 'party with a difference.'