Amid Row, Pawan Singh Withdraws Candidacy From Asansol Lok Sabha Seat

Bhojpuri actor-singer Pawan Singh has announced that he will not be contesting in the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

As per the BJP's first list, which was released on Saturday, Singh was given a ticket to contest from Asansol Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal. However, the decision was met with criticism over some of his movies and references to Bengali women.

"I express my heartfelt gratitude to the top leadership of Bharatiya Janata Party. The party trusted me and declared me as the candidate from Asansol, but due to some reason, I will not be able to contest the elections from Asansol.... @JPNadda," Singh said in Hindi on his X handle.

Responding to the development, TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee said, "The INDOMITABLE SPIRIT AND POWER OF THE PEOPLE OF WEST BENGAL," Banerjee wrote on his official X handle, tagging Singh's post.

Following the development, TMC spokesperson Saket Gokhale said, "Of the 42 seats in West Bengal, the BJP has already surrendered 1 seat even before elections are declared."

Talking about the BJP giving a ticket to Singh, Asansol MP Babul Supriyo said, "Asansol ko Pawan Singh ji Mubarak ho 🙏 @BJP4Bengal .. I have not verified it personally nor will verify them but I am flooded with posters of these films.. Nothing against Pawanji the artist, but if these posters are true, then it clearly shows what kind of respect @BJP4India has for Bengal & specially for women from Bengal • Sure Honble PM sir will come to Polo Ground to campaign for him.. @AITCofficial @ShatruganSinha @derekobrienmp,"

"Have always said, that BJP is anti-Bengali - the fact that they didn't give a cabinet seat to any Bengali in the 10 years they are in power is proof enough for that but now fielding Pawan Singh frm Asansol shows their insensitivity against Bengali women•In terms of offending Bengali women & painting them in an utterly disrespectful light in Film titles & Songs, Pawanji (nothing against him as an Artist, I reiterate) projects Bengali Songs & Films is surely a repeat offender!! The first list in itself is the last nail on the coffin of BJP in Bengal," he added.

Attacking further he said, ""Mark my words•This nomination in itself captures the real Mindset of BJP for Bengal & how much respect they have for Bengalis & Bengali Women !!! This is my last Tweet on this subject - and I write cuz I love & will always live Asansol.. wont post anything more on this anymore.. Let Bengal decide... Period,"

The BJP took notice of the backlash and anticipated that his candidature may not help the cause. Hence, he was asked to withdraw his candidature, NDTV reported citing sources.