Popular Bhojpuri singer and actor Khesari Lal Yadav, who ventured into politics with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), is facing a tough battle in the Chapra constituency during the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025. According to latest trends from the Election Commission of India, the celebrity-turned-politician is trailing behind his BJP opponent.
Election Results: BJP Candidate Takes Strong Lead
The electoral battle in Chapra has taken a decisive turn with BJP candidate Chhoti Kumari establishing a significant lead over Khesari Lal Yadav. As per real-time data from the Election Commission, Kumari has secured 18,555 votes with a commanding margin of 2,094 votes over her RJD rival. This development comes as a surprise to many political observers who expected Yadav's massive popularity in the Bhojpuri entertainment industry to translate into electoral success.
Controversial Remarks That Shook the Campaign
Khesari Lal Yadav's political journey was marred by several controversial statements that potentially alienated voters in the crucial constituency. His comments about the Ram Mandir created significant backlash when he questioned the educational value of temple studies. "Will studying about the Ram Mandir make me a master, a professor, or a government employee?" he had asked during his campaign, emphasizing the need for focusing on development and education instead.
The BJP immediately capitalized on these remarks, accusing Yadav of speaking against Sanatan Dharm. Despite his clarifications that he intended to highlight the importance of education, the damage to his campaign appeared substantial.
Defending 'Jungle Raj' and Industry Comments
Another controversial moment emerged when Yadav appeared to defend the era often referred to as "Jungle Raj" during Lalu Prasad Yadav's rule. He stated that "Lalu's jungle raj was better; people at least survived by paying money", comparing it to the current situation where he claimed human lives have lost value. This statement came at a time when BJP leaders were actively warning voters about the potential return of lawlessness if the Mahagathbandhan returned to power.
Additionally, Yadav found himself in hot water when he commented on the Bhojpuri film industry's gender dynamics, responding to allegations made by co-star Akshara Singh about male dominance in the industry. His remarks about women actors owing their success to men in the industry drew criticism from various quarters.
The Political Fallout and Voter Response
The cumulative effect of these controversies appears to have significantly impacted Yadav's electoral prospects. Despite his considerable fame as a Bhojpuri singer and actor, the voters of Chapra constituency have not responded positively to his political overtures. The election trends clearly indicate that his celebrity status alone wasn't sufficient to overcome the negative perception created by his controversial statements.
Political analysts suggest that the combination of his remarks on sensitive religious topics and his defense of the previous regime's governance record created a perfect storm that ultimately worked against his electoral ambitions. The BJP successfully leveraged these comments to portray him as out of touch with the constituency's values and priorities.
As the counting continues, the Chapra results serve as a crucial lesson for celebrity candidates entering the political arena, demonstrating that star power must be complemented by careful political messaging and understanding of local sentiments to achieve electoral success.
