Bhojpuri Actor Pawan Singh Meets Upendra Kushwaha, Seeks NDA Ticket

Bhojpuri superstar Pawan Singh met Upendra Kushwaha, chief of the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP), in Delhi as he attempts to secure an NDA ticket for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. The meeting, held at Kushwaha's residence, is seen as a step toward mending ties following Singh's expulsion from the BJP last year.

Political Comeback in Arrah

Singh is eager to contest from Arrah as an NDA candidate. Both Singh and Kushwaha had previously faced off in the Lok Sabha elections, where neither was successful. Sources indicate that resolving differences with Kushwaha is key for Singh's return to the NDA fold and for maintaining unity among Bihar's alliance partners.

Past Challenges and Controversies

The actor-politician was expelled from the BJP before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls after filing as an independent candidate from Karakat, opposing NDA's Kushwaha. Singh's independent run also weakened the NDA's position in Shahabad.

Singh's political journey has been marked by multiple shifts. He was initially named BJP's candidate from Asansol in West Bengal but withdrew following backlash over songs deemed offensive to Bengalis. He later opted to contest from Karakat, only to clash with NDA's Kushwaha. His expulsion was officially for indiscipline and damaging the party's image. Singh also faced criticism recently for inappropriate behaviour at a promotional event, for which he apologised.

BJP's Role in Reconciliation

The BJP appears to be facilitating Singh's rapprochement with Kushwaha. The Delhi meeting was attended by Vinod Tawde, Bihar BJP in-charge, and Rituraj Sinha, national secretary. Singh is also scheduled to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah as part of his efforts to re-enter active politics.