Bhojpuri actor Pawan Singh is looking to re-enter politics and is interested in contesting the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. His primary interest lies in contesting from the Ara constituency as a candidate representing the NDA. To realize this ambition, Singh needs to secure the support of Upendra Kushwaha. The key question is whether Kushwaha’s backing will be sufficient for Singh to obtain the NDA ticket.
Singh intends to visit Kushwaha at his Delhi residence to address any existing differences. Kushwaha has been critical of Singh’s potential return to the BJP or the NDA. The outcome of their meeting could have significant consequences, potentially paving the way for Singh to rejoin the NDA and align with the Rashtriya Lok Morcha.
Singh’s Political Strategy
During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Pawan Singh was nominated by the BJP to contest from Asansol in West Bengal, but he later withdrew his candidacy. This decision created complexities for the BJP, as he then sought to contest from Karakat, Bihar. His decision to run as an independent candidate in the Lok Sabha elections, instead of supporting the NDA, is believed to have caused significant damage to the NDA’s overall performance. The outcome was a victory for a CPI(ML) candidate.
Considerations for the Future
Even if Kushwaha extends his support to Singh, the BJP’s response is uncertain. Given that the BJP considers the Ara seat as a critical stronghold, it remains to be seen how willing they are to accommodate Pawan Singh.
Ara’s Electoral Landscape
* 2020- Amarendra Pratap Singh (BJP)
* 2015- Mohammad Nawaz Alam (RJD)
* 2010- Amarendra Pratap Singh (BJP)
* October 2005- Amarendra Pratap Singh (BJP)
* February 2005- Amarendra Pratap Singh (BJP)
* 2000- Amarendra Pratap Singh (BJP)
* 1995- Abdul Malik (Janata Dal)
The Ara constituency has a diverse electorate. Scheduled Caste voters account for around 12.1% of the total population, and Muslim voters make up 11.7%. The evolving demographics will continue to shape the political trends in Ara.