Darbhanga: A storm erupted in Darbhanga’s Alinagar constituency during an NDA workers’ convention when BJP MLA Ketki Singh from Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, threw the traditional Mithila ‘Pag’—a revered symbol of pride and honour—onto the ground, sparking outrage among locals and party workers alike.
The incident unfolded when guests were being welcomed with the customary ‘Pag’. Singh reportedly picked up the headgear and asked, “What is this?” When attendees replied that it represented the pride of Mithila, she allegedly threw it down, saying, “No, Maithili Thakur is Mithila’s real honour.”
Her remarks instantly drew condemnation. Rakesh Kumar Mishra, Jan Suraj’s candidate from Darbhanga Urban, demanded a public apology, stating, “The Pag is not just cloth—it embodies Mithila’s identity and dignity. This act has insulted the entire Maithil community.”
The controversy has taken a political turn ahead of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, with opposition leaders accusing the BJP of cultural insensitivity. Locals, too, have expressed anger, calling the act an attack on Mithila’s heritage.
The ‘Pag’, a traditional headgear symbolizing respect and cultural pride, has long been used to honour dignitaries in India and abroad. Its global recognition, along with Madhubani art, remains a cornerstone of Mithila’s cultural identity and economy.
The Alinagar Assembly segment falls under the Darbhanga Lok Sabha constituency, where VIP’s Mishri Lal Yadav won in 2020 by just 3,101 votes over RJD’s Vinod Mishra. This time, RJD has again fielded Vinod Mishra, hoping to reclaim the seat amid shifting caste equations and growing anger over the incident.
