Bihar Superstars and Singers Experience Mixed Reactions as They Rise and Fall
The political landscape in Bihar has witnessed a mix of triumphs and setbacks with the participation of various cultural figures. Bhojpuri superstars and musical talents are among those who have taken to the electoral arena, with differing results as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a significant victory.
Bihar Superstars and Singers: The Rise and Fall in Elections
Khesari Lal Yadav’s Political Debut
Khesari Lal Yadav, a prominent name in Bhojpuri cinema, ran for office in Chhapra on a Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) ticket. As of 2:30 PM on election day, he was trailing behind BJP candidate Chhoti Kumari by approximately 20,000 votes. Yadav stirred controversy pre-election with comments on education and the Ram Mandir, stating:
- “The Ram Temple is a matter of faith, but education must be prioritized.”
- He defended his art, saying, “My songs are unrelated to the region’s issues like waterlogging or hospital conditions.”
Despite the criticism, his workout videos gained considerable acclaim online.
Ritesh Pandey’s Political Struggles
Ritesh Pandey, another Bhojpuri artist, is known for his record-breaking hit “Hello Kaun,” which garnered over 1 billion views on YouTube in 2020. He faced challenges during this election cycle as the Jan Suraaj Party candidate in Kargahar, ranking fourth and trailing by over 36,000 votes from the leading candidate, Bashisth Singh of Janata Dal (United).
Maithili Thakur’s Resounding Victory
Maithili Thakur, recognized as the ‘daughter of Bihar,’ campaigned successfully from Alinagar on a BJP ticket. With over 11 million followers on social media platforms, she received national attention following praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for her song about Maa Shabri. In early 2024, she was honored at the National Creators Awards, receiving the title of ‘Cultural Ambassador of The Year.’
Jyoti Singh’s Controversial Candidacy
Jyoti Singh, the wife of Bhojpuri superstar Pawan Singh, entered the fray as an Independent candidate from Karakat. Her candidacy was marked by personal conflict, including allegations of infidelity against her husband. The Karakat seat was highly contested among multiple candidates. As of the last update, Jyoti was trailing in third place, over 32,000 votes behind Mahabali Singh of JDU.
Conclusion
The entry of these Bhojpuri icons into politics illustrates a compelling intersection of entertainment and governance in Bihar. While some have enjoyed successes, others are experiencing significant challenges. These events highlight the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of political contests in the region.
