Pawan Singh’s Star Power Rocks Karakat Lok Sabha Seat
Bhojpuri superstar Pawan Singh has emerged as a formidable contender in the Karakat Lok Sabha seat in Bihar. Contesting as an independent candidate, Singh is giving a tough fight to BJP ally and former Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha, president of the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM). Singh’s entry has turned the electoral battle triangular, with the Opposition alliance fielding Rajaram Singh of the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist).
Celebrities Galore
Pawan Singh is leveraging his massive fan following, with prominent Bhojpuri film industry personalities campaigning vigorously for him. At a recent ‘Jan Samvad’ rally, a galaxy of stars, including Pakhi Hegde, Manoj Tiger, Astha Singh, and Khesari Lal Yadav, took to the stage, turning the event into a live stage show. The star power has undoubtedly drawn massive crowds, particularly the youth.
Caste Calculus
The Karakat Lok Sabha seat has a significant caste-based voter base. Singh, a Rajput, is banking on the support of the Rajput community, which comprises two lakh voters. However, the constituency also has a large number of Yadav, Kushwaha, Kurmi, Vaishay, Brahmin, and Bhumihar voters. Recognizing the importance of caste equations, the Bhojpuri stars performing on stage openly declared their caste affiliations to convey Singh’s cross-community support.
Fans vs Voters
While fans are enthusiastically supporting Singh, voters acknowledge the distinction between entertainment and governance. They express admiration for Singh’s celebrity status but remain pragmatic in their voting decisions.
Singh’s Promises
Addressing an election rally, Singh vowed to purchase land and reside in Karakat if elected as MP. He also pledged to donate his salary towards the weddings of underprivileged girls in the constituency.
BJP’s Challenge
The BJP is taking the Karakat contest seriously, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah holding rallies in support of Kushwaha. However, Singh’s star power and grassroots support pose a significant challenge to the BJP-RLM alliance.
Conclusion
Pawan Singh’s entry into the Karakat Lok Sabha race has certainly shaken up the electoral landscape. His star power, caste calculus, and populist promises are attracting widespread attention. While the ultimate outcome remains uncertain, Singh’s presence has undoubtedly made the contest a lot more interesting and unpredictable.
