Patna: The political drama surrounding the Rashtriya Janata Dal’s (RJD) choice for the Chhapra Assembly seat reached a crescendo on Wednesday, as popular Bhojpuri singer and actor Khesari Lal Yadav confirmed he would file his nomination, replacing his wife, Chanda Yadav.
The ticket had originally been allotted to Chanda Devi by the RJD, the leading party in the Grand Alliance. However, according to reports emerging late Wednesday, a last-minute “technical glitch” has necessitated the change, leading Khesari himself to contest on the RJD symbol.
Speaking to the media earlier in the week, Khesari had indicated that he was attempting to persuade his wife to contest, having pursued the matter for four days. He had stated that if she remained unwilling, he would focus on campaigning for RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav instead of entering the fray himself, commenting that he was “better off in the film industry.”
From Reluctance to Direct Contest
The decision marks a significant pivot for the star, who has long maintained close relations with the Lalu Prasad family and recently met Tejashwi in Patna, fueling speculation about his electoral debut. Despite his earlier reservations, the technical issue in his wife’s candidacy has pushed Khesari into the direct electoral battleground just hours before the nomination window closes for the first phase.
The shift ensures that a high-profile celebrity will now be in the running for the key constituency of Chhapra.
The Face-Off: Khesari vs. Chhoti Kumari
Khesari Lal Yadav’s sudden entry sets the stage for a compelling contest against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate, Chhoti Kumari. Kumari is a recognized local leader, having previously served as the president of the Zila Parishad, and is the wife of BJP district general secretary Dharmendra Sah.
The face-off between the Bhojpuri cinema stalwart and the established local political figure will make Chhapra one of the most closely watched seats in the upcoming polls.
