Purnea, June 16: The BJP is leaving no stone unturned to ensure victory in the Purnea bypoll, scheduled on June 25.

Addressing a rally, Purnea MP Uday Singh said: “Muslim voters are with the BJP. There is no doubt. As far as communal harmony is concerned, victory of Kaniz Raza as the mayor of Purnea Municipal Corporation two days ago is the best example. She was elected unopposed.”

He added that CPM candidate Amit Sarkar was not a serious threat in the election fray.

Singh said: “Congress is the prime rival in the byelection. It is to be blamed for the backwardness of Bihar. Both Congress and the RJD are equally responsible for the appalling condition of the state.”

C.P. Thakur, the BJP state unit president, expressed satisfaction over the preparations for the elections. He told The Telegraph: “This is the first byelection after the formation of the government last year. This is a prestige issue for our party. As we do not want to take any risk, many senior BJP leaders are expected to come in Purnea to encourage the electorate to cast their votes in favour of the BJP.”

He also said the incident of police firing at Forbesganj in Araria was unfortunate but it would have no effect on the elections, as the electorate would vote for the development work carried out by the NDA government in the state.

Singh also blamed the government of Uttrakhand for Swami Nigmadand’s death. He said it was the duty of the government to keep an eye on Nigmanand’s health, which it had failed to do.