'Maybe He Was Forced...': Shatrughan Sinha Speaks Up on Pawan Singh Opting Out of LS Race

Asansol: Trinamool Congress (TMC) Candidate from West Bengal’s Asansol constituency Shatrughan Sinha on Tuesday reacted to Bhojpuri actor-singer Pawan Singh's withdrawal of candidature from seat.

Speaking exclusively to Republic, TMC leer said that reason behind Pawan Singh's move is yet to be ascertained, however, he might have been forced to withdraw. BJP is yet to announce candidate from Asansol seat. 

“I don't know wher Pawan Singh withdrew his candidature from Asansol or he was forced to do so. But I have heard of him, he is a good man.” 

Singh's withdrawal of his candidature comes after TMC launched an online campaign against him alleging that he stars in "sexist misogynist videos". 

Several TMC leers, including Saket Gokhale, Sagarika Ghose and Babul Supriyo tweeted against Singh alleging that his candidature insults women in Bengal.

BJP Named Pawan Singh in First List of Candidates

BJP h announced name of Pawan Singh from Asansol segment while releasing first list of 195 candidates for Lok Sabha elections on March 2. 

However, a day later, Pawan Singh dropped out citing personal reasons. Notably, BJP also faced backlash on social media for fielding Pawan Singh from Asansol. 

A day later, he took to X and said, "I express my heartfelt gratitude to top leership of Bharatiya Janata Party. party trusted me and declared me as candidate from Asansol, but due to some reason, I will not be able to contest elections from Asansol."

On March 13, Singh dropped a hint of him contesting Lok Sabha elections but didn't announce constituency. 

“I will contest elections to fulfill promise me to my society, people and mor. Your blessings and cooperation are expected. Jai Mata Di,” Pawan Singh, Bhojpuri singer and actor wrote on microblogging site X.