PATNA, July 9 -- BJP candidate Abhishek Kumar Sinha alias Bunty and RJD nominee Rekha Kumari alias Rekha Gupta filed their nomination papers for the July 30 Bankipur assembly by-election on Thursday. Both the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan held massive rallies to showcase unity and launch their campaigns.

The bypoll was necessitated by the resignation of BJP national president Nitin Nabin following his election to the Rajya Sabha. Counting of votes will be held on August 3, while the last date for filing nominations is July 13.

Before filing his nomination, Sinha offered prayers at the Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir in Krishnanagar and the Siddhidatri Jwala Temple, besides seeking his parents' blessings.

Expressing confidence in the NDA's pros...