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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Bihar has expelled Bhojpuri singer and politician Pawan Singh for contesting the Lok Sabha elections 2024 as an Independent candidate from the Karakat seat, against the National Democratic Alliance (NDA)'s official candidate.
Singh had earlier announced his decision to contest from the Karakat Lok Sabha constituency as an Independent candidate, despite being believed to be a member of the BJP. He had reportedly sought a ticket from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) before opting to contest independently.
Pawan Singh's decision to contest against the NDA nominee drew criticism from some BJP leaders, including Union Minister R.K. Singh, who is seeking re-election from the neighbouring Arrah Lok Sabha seat.
Singh's mother, Pratima Devi, had also filed her nomination as an independent candidate from Karakat, but later withdrew her candidature. Speculations were rife that her entry into the race was at the behest of her son, who feared rejection of his own nomination.
The Election Commission of India has confirmed Pratima Devi's withdrawal, who had filed her nomination as an independent candidate on May 14. May 17 was the final day for the withdrawal of nominations from Karakat seat, scheduled for polls on June 1.
Source: BJP expels singer-politician Pawan Singh for contesting against NDA candidate