Bhojpuri cinema's renowned actor and singer Pawan Singh has proclaimed his candidacy for the Loksabha elections from Bihar's Karakat seat. Yet, whether he would run as an independent or under a party's banner remains undisclosed. Famous as 'Power Star', Pawan's social media post resonates with dedication, declaring, 'My mother's promise weighs more than the soil, and to honor it, I will contest the 2024 Loksabha election from Karakat, Bihar. Victory be to the Mother Goddess.'
The BJP, originally having selected Pawan Singh to represent Asansol of West Bengal, heralded his strong local ties. However, his sudden withdrawal due to personal reasons led BJP to appoint SS Ahluwalia in his stead. Meanwhile, RLSP president Upendra Kushwaha from the NDA is contesting from the Karakat seat.
As a result of seat-sharing arrangements within the Indian alliance, CPI (ML) has fielded Rajaram Singh Kushwaha for Karakat. Singh's prior candidacy in Asansol drew criticism from TMC, who condemned his portrayal of women in songs and switched the battlefield to Shatrughan Sinha, TMC's new nominee, who succeeded the seat Babul Supriyo won for BJP in 2019.
Pawan Singh Might Contest as an Independent from Karakat
Babul Supriyo, prior to the Bengal elections of 2021, defected from BJP to join TMC and contested in the assembly elections. Following his victory in a by-poll for Asansol, with BJP's Ahluwalia now declared for Asansol, and Upendra Kushwaha of RLSP already in fray for Karakat, Pawan Singh's entry as an independent candidate appears likely. Karakat emerged into existence in 2008 after delimitation.
Karakat Seat, Stronghold of Kushwaha Leaders
In Bihar's Karakat constituency, leaders of the Kushwaha community have dominated across three Loksabha elections. JD(U) leader Mahabali Singh Kushwaha was elected MP in 2009 and 2019. Upendra Kushwaha of NDA triumphed here in 2014. With NDA comprising BJP, JD(U), RLSP, and HAM, and the Indian Block including RJD, Congress, and Left parties, Karakat is set for a central face-off this year, pitching CPI(ML)'s Rajaram Singh Kushwaha into the electoral ring.
