Bihar assembly polls: Setback for NDA even before elections. Why was Seema Singh's nomination papers rejected?

In what comes as a major setback for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), even before the Bihar assembly elections began, the nomination of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) candidate, actress-turned-politician Seema Singh, has been rejected by the returning officer.

She was to contest from the Marhaura assembly constituency of Saran district.

According to media reports, her nomination papers were rejected after the returning officer found deficiencies and technical errors in the documents submitted by her.

As many as four nominations were rejected, including the one filed by Seema Singh.

The decision comes as a setback for the NDA, as Seema Singh was seen as a bankable candidate and someone who could attract crowds. The NDA was reportedly planning to leverage her fame and glamour to draw crowds.

“The bulk of the votes she may have attracted will now be redistributed, primarily strengthening the existing RJD base and intensifying the challenge from non-NDA contenders," a local media report quoted a political analyst as saying.

The authorities clarified that the nomination papers were rejected owing to a strict scrutiny process conducted in a very transparent manner, and added that no negligence or bias was involved.

Who is Seema Singh?

Seema Singh is a popular Bhojpuri actress, mostly known for her glamorous item dances. She has reportedly performed item numbers in over 500 movies. Some of her popular movies include 'Hum Do Anjaane', 'Chhodab Na Sang Tohar and 'Himmatwala'. 

She announced her political entry in April 2023.

India