The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): Congress leader Pawan Khera has raised questions about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s awareness of Bhojpuri singer Pawan Singh’s background following Singh’s decision to not contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from Asansol. Khera’s remarks come amidst the BJP’s criticism over the Sandeshkali incident, juxtaposed with its initial choice of Pawan Singh, known for his entertainment career, as a political candidate.
Pawan Singh, expressing gratitude towards the BJP for their trust, announced his withdrawal from the Asansol Lok Sabha seat race without specifying reasons. This decision has sparked a debate on candidate selection processes within the BJP, with Khera suggesting that the incident reflects on the governance and priorities of the current administration. He insinuated that while the government has tight surveillance over opposition activities, it appears to lack insight into its candidate choices.
This situation has also drawn comments from Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders, including Shatrughan Sinha, the current Lok Sabha representative from Asansol, who deemed it a matter internal to the BJP. Meanwhile, TMC’s Babul Supriyo criticized the BJP’s initial decision to field Pawan Singh, citing the artist’s controversial portrayals of Bengali women in his work as inappropriate for a political representative from Asansol.
The BJP’s first list of candidates for the Lok Sabha polls, which includes a diverse range of nominees, has been under scrutiny. With the inclusion of 47 youth, 28 women, and candidates from various social backgrounds, the party aims to showcase its commitment to inclusive representation. However, the controversy surrounding Pawan Singh’s candidacy has highlighted the complexities and challenges of political candidate selection, especially concerning public image and regional sensitivities.