The political landscape of Bihar is witnessing a significant shift as Bhojpuri actor Pawan Singh rejoins the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) before the upcoming assembly elections. This move follows meetings with key BJP figures, including Upendra Kushwaha and Amit Shah, signaling a strategic realignment.
The return of Pawan Singh is seen as a boost for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Magadh and Shahabad regions, where the alliance faced setbacks in the recent Lok Sabha elections. The BJP hopes to capitalize on Singh’s popularity to garner votes. However, this decision is multi-faceted, potentially addressing internal party issues and broader electoral strategies.
Notably, Singh’s re-entry coincides with the fallout from former Union Minister RK Singh’s dissent. RK Singh’s rebellion had created uncertainty, particularly in the Arrah constituency. The BJP aims to counter this by bringing in Pawan Singh, who may attract Rajput votes, potentially offsetting the impact of RK Singh’s actions.
The recent interactions between Pawan Singh and other political leaders, including Upendra Kushwaha and BJP President JP Nadda, indicate a strong foundation for his political comeback. The meetings suggest that Pawan Singh is set to play an active role in the upcoming elections.
The BJP views Singh’s return as a means to consolidate its position in the Shahabad and Dehri-on-Sone regions, affecting approximately 24-25 seats. The region has a complex social fabric. In the 2020 assembly elections, the BJP secured 11 seats, the RJD 10, and Congress 4. The BJP is anticipating a vote increase of 3-4% because of Pawan Singh.
The BJP is also focusing on the Rajput vote bank. Pawan Singh’s return, in addition to countering RK Singh’s defiance, is a strategy to woo the Rajput community. The opposition, however, perceives Singh’s return as a move against Upendra Kushwaha.
Overall, Pawan Singh’s re-entry into the NDA is poised to redefine the electoral dynamics of Bihar. The crucial question is whether the actor’s influence will translate into votes and strengthen the NDA’s position in key regions, particularly in Shahabad and Magadh.