Published on: October 18, 2025 | 6:53 PM IST

In a significant setback for the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, the nomination papers of Seema Singh — the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) [LJP (RV)] candidate from the Madhaura constituency — have been rejected. The decision, reportedly based on technical discrepancies in her documentation, could impact the NDA’s prospects in the politically sensitive Saran district.

According to a report by Live Hindustan, the returning officer for Madhaura cancelled Singh’s nomination after scrutiny revealed inconsistencies in her submitted documents. Seema Singh, a Bhojpuri film actress-turned-politician, was regarded as one of the most high-profile candidates fielded by the Chirag Paswan-led LJP (RV). Her entry into the contest had drawn considerable attention due to her popularity in the Bhojpuri entertainment industry and her perceived ability to connect with local voters.

Officials confirmed that a total of four nomination papers — including Singh’s — were rejected due to technical errors found during the verification process. Along with Singh, the nominations of independent candidates Altaf Alam Raju and Vishal Kumar, as well as Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate Aditya Kumar, were also dismissed.

The rejection of Singh’s nomination has caused ripples within the NDA camp, as Madhaura was expected to be a keenly watched constituency. Singh’s popularity, bolstered by her celebrity status, was seen as a potential advantage for the alliance. Her exclusion from the race may alter local electoral dynamics, forcing the NDA to reconsider its strategy in the region.

Who Is Seema Singh?

Seema Singh is a well-known Bhojpuri actress who has appeared in numerous regional films and music albums. She joined the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) earlier this year, marking her formal entry into active politics. Her candidature from Madhaura was announced as part of Chirag Paswan’s efforts to blend youth appeal and star power into the party’s campaign.

During her nomination filing, Singh submitted detailed information about her assets and educational background, which drew public curiosity. In her election affidavit, she declared her educational qualification as having passed the ninth grade, a detail that received attention in local political discussions. Despite her limited formal education, she was seen as a confident new face who could connect with grassroots voters, particularly women and youth.

Bihar Assembly Elections 2025: A Close Contest

The Bihar Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in two phases — November 6 and 11, with results to be declared on November 14. The contest is shaping up to be a close battle between the ruling NDA — led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] — and the INDIA alliance, spearheaded by Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

Under the seat-sharing agreement within the NDA, the BJP and JD(U) will contest 101 seats each, while the LJP (Ram Vilas) has been allotted 29 seats. The Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) will contest six seats each. The NDA is banking on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s leadership and the BJP’s organisational strength to retain power.

Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc, comprising the RJD, Congress, and Left parties, is seeking to capitalise on anti-incumbency and unemployment concerns. Tejashwi Yadav has positioned himself as the primary challenger to Nitish Kumar, promising to restore job growth and governance reforms if elected.

Political Implications of the Nomination Rejection

Seema Singh’s nomination rejection is being viewed as an unexpected blow to the LJP (RV), which has been working to consolidate its presence in the Saran belt — traditionally a politically charged region. Her candidacy was expected to energise voters in the Madhaura constituency, where the NDA and INDIA alliances are locked in a tight contest.

Political observers note that the rejection could weaken the NDA’s outreach efforts in the area, as LJP (RV) had been relying heavily on Singh’s local and celebrity appeal. The opposition, particularly the RJD-led INDIA alliance, may seek to capitalise on the disarray caused within the NDA’s local campaign machinery.

While LJP (RV) leaders have yet to issue an official statement, party insiders told reporters that they are reviewing the reasons behind the rejection and exploring the possibility of filing an appeal or seeking replacement options before the final list of candidates is announced.

The setback underscores the importance of procedural compliance in the electoral process and serves as a reminder of how technical discrepancies can alter political equations just weeks before polling.

With the Bihar Assembly elections drawing near, the NDA now faces the dual challenge of managing internal disruptions and countering an increasingly assertive opposition front determined to unseat the Nitish Kumar-led government.