Patna/IBNS, July 11 -- In a major twist ahead of the Bankipur Assembly bypoll, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has replaced its candidate against former political strategist and Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) chief Prashant Kishor, as the constituency gears up for what is expected to be one of Bihar's most closely watched electoral contests, media reports said.

The BJP has withdrawn the candidature of Abhishek Kumar, popularly known as Bunty, and fielded its youth leader Neeraj Kumar Sinha instead.

The change comes just days after Bunty's name was approved by the BJP's Central Election Committee.

Analysts say the BJP may have opted for a stronger candidate as Prashant Kishor's entry has transformed what was initially expected to be a relative...