Bhojpuri cinema star Pawan Singh addressed a large election rally in Aurangabad district's Rafiganj area on Wednesday. He appeared at the RBR Sports Ground to campaign for Pramod Kumar Singh, the candidate from Janata Dal United (JDU) who is contesting with support from the National Democratic Alliance. Thousands of supporters gathered to hear the popular actor and singer, who is known for hit songs like "Lollipop Lagelu" and "Kamariya Hila Rahi Hai". During his speech, Pawan Singh praised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's leadership and described the progress Bihar has achieved under his government. He called Pramod Kumar Singh a grassroots leader who understands local problems and urged voters to support him in large numbers. The Bhojpuri star clarified that his visit was not about politics but about Bihar's development and social harmony. His presence brought energy to the NDA campaign, with the crowd chanting slogans supporting both Pawan Singh and Nitish Kumar. The Rafiganj assembly seat presents an interesting contest this election. Pramod Kumar Singh has previously contested on Lok Janshakti Party and independent tickets. This time, JDU gave him the ticket after denying it to sitting legislator Ashok Singh. The opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal made its own change, replacing Nehaluddin with Dr. Gulam Shahid. Both major candidates face a tight race. Before this rally, Pawan Singh had met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda in Delhi, sparking speculation about his possible return to the Bharatiya Janata Party, which had expelled him in May 2024 after he contested independently from Karakat constituency during the Lok Sabha elections.
Star Campaigns for Development and Grassroots Leadership
Speaking to thousands at the Rafiganj rally, Pawan Singh emphasized that Bihar has seen significant development under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's leadership. He told the audience that continuing this progress requires sending committed local leaders like Pramod Kumar Singh to the state assembly. The Bhojpuri star described the JDU candidate as a true servant of the people who works at the grassroots level and understands community needs. Pawan Singh made it clear he came to Rafiganj not for political reasons but to support Bihar's overall development and promote brotherhood among communities. He appealed to voters to turn out in maximum numbers and ensure the NDA-supported candidate wins. When Pawan Singh arrived on stage, the atmosphere became highly enthusiastic with fans raising supportive slogans. His celebrity status brought fresh momentum to the alliance's campaign efforts. Political observers are now watching whether the popular entertainer's appeal will translate into votes when results are announced. The rally demonstrated the NDA's strategy of using film personalities to connect with voters in this crucial assembly constituency.
Tight Electoral Contest in Rafiganj Assembly Seat
The Rafiganj assembly constituency is witnessing an interesting electoral battle within and between political alliances. Pramod Kumar Singh has contested elections before on a Lok Janshakti Party ticket and also as an independent candidate. This time, the Janata Dal United awarded him the ticket after withdrawing it from the sitting member of the legislative assembly, Ashok Singh. This decision reflects internal adjustments within the National Democratic Alliance partnership. Meanwhile, the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal also made a candidate change by replacing Nehaluddin with Dr. Gulam Shahid as their nominee. Both major candidates are locked in a close fight, with neither side showing a clear advantage according to ground reports. The presence of a high-profile campaigner like Pawan Singh indicates the importance the NDA places on winning this seat. Local voters will ultimately decide whether the development narrative promoted by the ruling alliance or opposition promises resonate more strongly. The constituency's history of supporting different parties and candidates in past elections makes predicting the outcome challenging for political analysts and parties alike.
Pawan Singh's Political Journey and Recent Meetings
Pawan Singh first joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2017 and served as a member of the state working committee. However, during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he decided to contest independently from the Karakat constituency, going against his own party's official candidate. This decision led to his expulsion from the BJP on 22 May 2024. Recently, the Bhojpuri star traveled to Delhi where he held meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP National President JP Nadda. These high-level meetings sparked widespread speculation in political circles about Pawan Singh potentially rejoining the saffron party. His appearance at the Aurangabad rally supporting a JDU candidate shows he remains engaged with the NDA alliance even if formal party membership questions remain unresolved. Born on 5 January 1986 in Ara, Bihar, Pawan Singh released his first album in 1997 and achieved massive success with the song "Lollipop Lagelu" in 2008, which became a global hit. He has starred in numerous Bhojpuri films including Pratighya, Crack Fighter, Dhadkan, and Har Har Gange, establishing himself as the most recognized name in regional cinema.
Campaign Trail Gathers Momentum Across Bihar
The Rafiganj rally represents just one event in the intensive campaigning happening across Bihar as the state prepares for assembly elections. Political parties are bringing out their most influential personalities to connect with voters and build support. Pawan Singh's massive fan following in Bihar, especially among rural audiences who watch Bhojpuri cinema, makes him a valuable asset for any campaign. His songs are household favorites, and his screen presence has made him a cultural icon beyond just entertainment. When such figures speak about political issues, their words carry weight with supporters who admire their work. The National Democratic Alliance appears to be leveraging this star power strategically in constituencies where local factors and personality appeal matter significantly. As election day approaches, more such rallies featuring popular faces are expected. The coming days will reveal whether celebrity endorsements and development promises can overcome anti-incumbency factors or whether voters choose change. Bihar's electoral history shows that ground-level work, caste equations, and local issues often prove more decisive than high-profile campaigning, making every constituency's outcome uncertain until votes are counted.
Source: Link