India, July 9 -- Even before the Election Commission of India issues a formal notification for the by-election to the Bankipur assembly seat, the political temperature in Bihar-and Patna in particular-has already risen sharply. Political parties have begun a war of words to grab public attention, months ahead of the actual contest.

The seat fell vacant after the BJP's central leadership elevated Nitin Nabin-winner of five consecutive elections, including once from the erstwhile Patna West constituency before delimitation-to the post of national president. His new responsibilities require him to move to the Rajya Sabha, and he has accordingly resigned from the Bankipur assembly seat, triggering the by-election. The Election Commission is ...