Setback for NDA in Bihar as LJP (RV) Candidate Seema Singh’s Nomination Rejected

In a major setback for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar, the nomination papers of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) [LJP (RV)] candidate Seema Singh from the Marhaura constituency in Saran district have been rejected.

The rejection reportedly came after the returning officer found discrepancies in the submitted documents during scrutiny. The decision has disqualified Seema Singh from contesting the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections, creating a sudden void for the NDA in a key constituency.

Why Seema Singh’s Rejection Matters

This development is politically significant for several reasons:

• Seat-Sharing Impact: Marhaura was among the 29 seats allotted to LJP (RV) under the NDA’s seat-sharing arrangement. The rejection of one of its key candidates has disrupted the alliance’s strategy in the Saran district.
• Loss of Star Power: Seema Singh, a popular face in Bhojpuri cinema, was expected to attract a large section of young and entertainment-loving voters. Her absence weakens the NDA’s grassroots campaign in the region.
• Organisational Oversight: The incident highlights internal lapses within party operations and poor documentation management during nominations — a costly mistake just weeks before polling.
• Advantage to Opposition: The opposition, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Jan Suraaj Party, may now benefit from the split in NDA votes and the absence of a strong LJP (RV) contender in Marhaura.

Response and Next Steps

Following the rejection, LJP (RV) leaders reportedly began internal discussions on whether to appeal the decision or field a substitute candidate. The situation has caused unease within the NDA, especially as the election enters its final leg of campaigning.

The first phase of polling is scheduled for November 6, followed by the second on November 11, while counting will take place on November 14. The rejection at such a critical juncture underscores the need for greater coordination among alliance partners.

Who Is Seema Singh?

Early Life & Career

Seema Singh, born on June 11, 1990, is a well-known Bhojpuri film actress, dancer, and performer. She gained fame as one of the most popular stage artists in the Bhojpuri industry and is often referred to as the “Item Queen” of regional cinema. Her dance numbers and strong screen presence made her a household name across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand.

Political Debut

With a massive fan base and public following, Seema Singh joined the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), led by Chirag Paswan, ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections. She was announced as the LJP (RV) candidate from the Marhaura constituency, a decision that was widely discussed due to her celebrity appeal.

Nomination Rejection

However, her political debut hit an unexpected roadblock when her nomination papers were declared invalid due to technical discrepancies. While the rejection was reportedly procedural rather than disqualificatory on moral or legal grounds, it still marked a major setback for both Seema Singh and her party.

Impact on NDA’s Bihar Strategy

The NDA’s performance in Bihar largely depends on the collective strength of its allies — the BJP, JD(U), and LJP (RV). Seema Singh’s disqualification not only reduces the alliance’s presence in one constituency but also reflects the potential for administrative mishaps within the coalition.

For Chirag Paswan’s LJP (RV), which has been keen to demonstrate its organisational strength and independence within the NDA, this incident is a reminder of the importance of rigorous internal checks during election preparations.

Analysts believe that this could also lead to a shift in voter sentiment in the Saran region, where LJP (RV) had expected to consolidate a loyal vote base.

The rejection of Seema Singh’s nomination from Marhaura has dealt a symbolic and strategic blow to the NDA in Bihar. What was meant to be a high-profile candidacy, blending star appeal with grassroots mobilisation, has turned into an administrative blunder that weakens the alliance’s electoral narrative.

For Seema Singh, the incident marks an abrupt pause to her political debut — though it’s unlikely to be the end of her journey in politics. For the NDA, it serves as a critical lesson in organisational discipline and the importance of procedural precision in India’s high-stakes electoral arena.