Bhojpuri superstar Pawan Singh rejoined BJP

Digital Desk

Bhojpuri superstar Pawan Singh has officially rejoined the BJP fold and is set to play an active role in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, a move that is expected to significantly influence the NDA's prospects, particularly in the crucial Shahabad region.

On Tuesday, Singh met senior BJP leader Vinod Tawde and RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha in Delhi. Tawde, following the meeting, confirmed that "Singh has always been a part of the BJP and will continue to remain with it," adding that the actor has received Kushwaha's blessings and will work as a BJP leader in the polls. This meeting was crucial for mending fences, as Singh's rebellion in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls had contributed to Kushwaha's defeat in the Karakat seat.

Why Pawan Singh is a Key Player for the NDA

Pawan Singh's return is a strategic masterstroke for the NDA for several reasons:

Massive Fan Following: He commands a massive fan base in Bihar, and his popularity across rural and urban areas is expected to energize the party's campaign.

Influence in the Shahabad Region: His presence is pivotal in the Shahabad region ( encompassing Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, and Kaimur), where the NDA faced significant setbacks in the last Lok Sabha elections. Singh's rebellion was seen as a key reason for the BJP's defeat in seats like Ara, Karakat, and Aurangabad. His return is aimed at rectifying this.

Caste Equations: Pawan Singh is crucial for consolidating the Rajput vote bank. In the 2024 elections, the Rajput community's support for Singh, who is a Rajput, had created tensions with the Kushwaha community. Bringing Singh and Kushwaha together is an effort to unite these caste groups under the NDA umbrella and weaken the opposition's caste arithmetic.

A Political Comeback

After being expelled from the BJP last year for contesting as an Independent from Karakat against the official NDA candidate, Singh is now staging a full-fledged political comeback. Sources indicate he may be fielded as an NDA candidate from the Arrah assembly seat. His recent exit from a reality show, stating his duty was to be among his public during elections, signals his full commitment to a political career.

The NDA's gamble to bring Pawan Singh back into the fold highlights the importance of star power and caste dynamics in Bihar's high-stakes electoral battle.