Patna: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expelled Bhojpuri actor and independent candidate Pawan Singh for running against the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate in the Karakat constituency. The decision, formalized in an official letter, cited Singh’s candidacy as “anti-party” and damaging to the party’s image and discipline.
The NDA’s chosen candidate for Karakat is Upendra Kushwaha. Singh’s independent run had caused confusion among voters, with rumors suggesting he was still supported by the BJP despite his candidacy. This led to the party clarifying its stance and taking disciplinary action. Voting in Karakat is scheduled for June 1.
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary commented on the expulsion, stating, “If any BJP member contests any election against the party, action will definitely be taken. Pawan Singh was working against the party, hence the decision was made.” Despite filing his nomination as an independent, Singh had not relinquished his BJP primary membership.
In response to Singh’s expulsion, Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahni labeled the move as strategic. Sahni claimed that BJP’s intent was to eventually reintegrate Singh if he won, and he also criticized the party’s treatment of other leaders, such as Chirag Paswan. Sahni pointed to instances where BJP allegedly sidelined or undermined their own members.
Previously, Singh was nominated by the BJP for the Lok Sabha seat in Asansol, West Bengal, only to later decline the opportunity. Despite being listed among BJP’s candidates, Singh announced his decision not to run from Asansol, citing personal reasons on social media. This led to BJP nominating SS Ahluwalia for the seat.
Pawan Singh, originally from Jokhari village in Bhojpur district, joined BJP in September 2017. He follows in the footsteps of other Bhojpuri film stars like Manoj Tiwari, Ravi Kishan, and Dinesh Lal Yadav, who have successfully contested Lok Sabha elections on BJP tickets and are currently MPs. Singh’s independent candidacy from Karakat marks his distinct path amid the political and entertainment intersections.
