Bhojpuri star Pawan Singh is poised to make a significant entry into Bihar's political arena, with strong indications that he will contest the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, slated for October-November. Sources suggest that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is likely to send him to the Rajya Sabha.
Pawan Singh, a well-known figure in the Bhojpuri film industry as a singer, actor, and music composer, has had a somewhat turbulent relationship with formal politics in recent years. In the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he was initially announced as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for the Asansol Lok Sabha constituency in West Bengal. However, this nomination drew criticism, citing his controversial public image. Within days, Singh withdrew his candidature, citing "personal reasons".
In May 2024, Singh again turned towards electoral politics, this time from his home state of Bihar. He declared himself an independent candidate from the Karakat Lok Sabha constituency, where the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) had already fielded its own candidate. His move was seen as a direct challenge to the alliance, leading to his expulsion from the BJP. The Bihar BJP issued a letter explaining his expulsion due to his independent candidacy against the NDA’s official candidate. The letter stated that his act was against the party, tarnishing the party's image and violating party discipline. Despite the expulsion, Singh contested the Lok Sabha elections as an independent candidate, putting up a tough fight against both NDA and Mahagathbandhan candidates. Ultimately, he narrowly lost to Rajaram Singh Kushwaha of CPI-ML.
Now, in 2025, Singh has announced his intention to contest the Bihar Assembly elections. Addressing the media in Jamshedpur, he stated that he would contest the Bihar polls, similar to his participation in the Lok Sabha elections. When asked whether he would support the BJP, Singh indicated that only time would reveal his decision, refraining from confirming anything at that moment. This has led to speculation about which party he might align with for the upcoming elections. Despite his previous expulsion, sources suggest that the NDA is likely to send him to the Rajya Sabha.
Singh's wife, Jyoti Singh, has also declared her candidacy for the Rohtas constituency. She has been actively engaging with the public as a social worker and campaigned for Pawan in Karakat during the Lok Sabha elections.
Pawan Singh possesses significant financial assets. According to an affidavit submitted to the Election Commission in May 2024, his assets are valued at over Rs 16.75 crore. This includes movable assets of Rs 5.04 crore, including bank accounts, vehicles, and jewellery, and immovable properties valued at Rs 11.70 crore, comprising land and residential properties in Arrah, Patna, Mumbai, and Lucknow.
Pawan Singh's political journey has been marked by both popularity and controversy. He faces legal issues, including a complaint alleging he cheated a hotelier of ₹1.57 crore. Actress Akshara Singh filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Singh in 2019, alleging threats and vulgar content on social media after their breakup. His personal life has also been under scrutiny, with two marriages, the first ending with the death of his wife, Neelam Singh, and the second facing marital disputes.
Despite the controversies, Pawan Singh remains a recognizable political figure in Bihar. His entry into the Bihar Assembly elections is expected to add drama to the political landscape, drawing crowds and media attention. While it is still uncertain whether he will contest as a BJP candidate or explore other options, his decision will be closely watched in the coming days.
