Congress veteran’s comeback adds spark to Wazirganj battle

Gaya: The re-entry of Awadhesh Singh, a seasoned Congress leader, has added a new dimension to the Wazirganj assembly contest. Singh, who made his electoral debut in 1980 and retired in 2020, passing the baton to his son Shashi Shekhar Singh, returned after his son suffered a heavy defeat.

“When it comes to elections, I continue to be youthful,” Singh said, adding that commitment to the electorate matters more than age.Wazirganj, formerly known as Gaya Muffassil, sees Singh pitted against his long-time rival Virendra Singh of the BJP. In Feb 2005, denied a Congress ticket, Awadhesh contested as an Independent and wrested the seat from Vinod Kumar Yadavendu, the sitting RJD MLA. Later that year, Independent Bindeshwari Prasa Yadav was the runner-up while Vinod Kumar Yadavendu finished third.A close aide of Singh claimed that senior BJP leader Kshitij Mohan Singh, who earlier alleged that Virendra Singh sought kickbacks from beneficiaries of government schemes and contractors, may support the Congress candidate this time. When asked, Kshitij said he had yet to take a final call. “I will decide in a day or two. Maybe the BJP candidate’s nomination is rejected by the RO,” he added.Interestingly, Awadhesh is one of the few leaders from his generation still active in 2025; no other winner from 1980 or earlier is contesting.

Gaya Town MLA Prem Kumar, who won his first election in 1990, comes closest in seniority.Supporters believe Singh will benefit from both loyal votes and a measure of ‘farewell’ support. “The 2025 ticket was imposed on him, although he wished to field his son again. The party relied on his trusted shoulders,” said Congress leader Md Moosa.