Bhojpuri superstar and first-time politician Khesari Lal Yadav, contesting from the Chhapra Assembly constituency in Bihar, appears to be facing an uphill battle in his political debut. As counting advances, Yadav, who contested from his party’s ticket, is trailing the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Chhoti Kumari by 2,094 votes, according to the latest figures. His party, which fielded candidates in 143 constituencies across the state, leads in only 28—well below expectations.

The popular actor-singer, also known as Shatrughan Yadav, entered the political arena amid much fanfare but found himself mired in controversy ahead of polling. His remarks on the Ram Mandir drew sharp criticism from several quarters. “Will I become a teacher or professor by studying at the Ram Temple? No. The Ram Temple is a matter of faith, but development requires education,” he had said, sparking a debate over mixing religion with governance.

Yadav later clarified that his comments were not aimed at hurting religious sentiments but rather to emphasize the importance of education in building the nation. “Devotion is one thing, but education runs the country. Build temples and mosques, but also build schools for our children’s future,” he reiterated while voting during the first phase on November 6. Despite attempts to quell the controversy, the incident dominated campaign discussions and overshadowed his electoral message centered on jobs and social development.

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The Chhapra seat, known for its caste and community-driven politics, proved to be a challenging terrain for Yadav, who positioned himself as a people’s candidate representing youth and cultural pride. His campaign blended Bhojpuri glamour with grassroots outreach, but local observers noted that the backlash from his remarks and limited organizational support dented his chances. Critics also pointed out that voters may have opted for more established political figures in a region where party loyalty runs deep.

Apart from his political debut, Yadav also faced renewed scrutiny over the content of his Bhojpuri songs, which some called vulgar. Addressing the criticism, he admitted that some earlier choices were mistakes but argued these had no bearing on the state’s real issues. “My songs did not cause unemployment or poor education. These problems stem from governance, not entertainment,” he stated. Meanwhile, a recent video of the actor working out went viral, showing that the entertainer in him continues to captivate fans even as he faces setbacks at the ballot box.

As vote counting continues, it remains to be seen whether Khesari Lal Yadav can bridge the narrow gap or whether his much-hyped political debut will end in disappointment.

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