After the Bankipur Assembly by-election loss, the BJP-led NDA stands a chance to restore the lost political sheen in Bihar in the biennial elections to the Bihar Legislative Council for eight seats on Friday. While the ruling alliance looks to re-establish its electoral supremacy in the state where it coasted to a victory less than a year ago, the Prashant Kishor-led Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) is contesting all eight seats in its debut poll battle for the Upper House.

The NDA appears to enjoy a slight advantage because of a fragmented Opposition. Apart from four Graduates seats, four Teachers constituencies are at stake. The JSP, NDA insiders believe, will divide the votes, thus helping its cause.…