Bhojpuri Star Pawan Singh Expelled From BJP Over Independent Candidacy

The Bihar unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took a decisive step on Wednesday by expelling Bhojpuri singer Pawan Singh. The action was taken because Singh chose to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the Karakat seat as an Independent candidate, going against the National Democratic Alliance (NDA)'s official nomination for the seat. This move by Pawan Singh, known for his contributions to the Bhojpuri music and film industry, marks a significant turn in his political journey.

Pawan Singh's political aspirations became evident when he announced his intention to run for the Karakat Lok Sabha constituency independently. This decision came after a period of speculation about his political affiliations and intentions. Despite being associated with the BJP, Singh sought a ticket from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) initially, before deciding to enter the fray independently. His campaign message focused on development without discord, promising a "new dawn for Karakat."

The situation took an intriguing turn when Pawan Singh's mother, Pratima Devi, also entered the race as an independent candidate for the Karakat Lok Sabha seat. However, she later withdrew her nomination. This development, confirmed by the Election Commission of India, added another layer to the unfolding political drama in Karakat. The withdrawal happened just before the deadline on May 17, clearing the field for her son's independent run in the elections scheduled for June 1.

The decision to contest against the NDA's candidate drew sharp criticism from within the BJP ranks. Union Minister RK Singh, who is contesting for re-election from the nearby Arrah Lok Sabha seat, voiced strong opposition to Pawan Singh's candidacy. He suggested that Singh's continuation in the race against the NDA nominee, Upendra Kushwaha, was untenable within the party's framework. Kushwaha, a former Union Minister and head of the Rashtriya Lok Morcha, is seen as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's choice for the south Bihar seat.