Patna: Bihar’s political stage could soon see an unexpected new entrant: folk and classical singer Maithili Thakur. Widely recognised for her renditions of Maithili and classical music, Thakur is reportedly being considered by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a candidate for the Alinagar seat in the upcoming state assembly elections.
According to party sources, the BJP is weighing her candidature as a possible replacement for the sitting MLA, Mishri Lal Yadav, amid dissatisfaction within the party ranks over his performance and alleged anti-party activity. The BJP has held Alinagar for the past two elections, but leaders are understood to be seeking a fresh face to counter anti-incumbency sentiment.
वर्ष 1995 में बिहार में लालू राज आने पर जो परिवार बिहार छोड़कर चले गए, उस परिवार की बिटिया सुप्रसिद्ध गायिका मैथिली ठाकुर जी बदलते बिहार की रफ्तार को देखकर फिर से बिहार आना चाहती हैं।
आज गृह राज्यमंत्री @nityanandraibjp जी और मैंने उनसे आग्रह किया कि बिहार की जनता के लिए और… pic.twitter.com/DrFtkxQWo0
— Vinod Tawde (@TawdeVinod) October 5, 2025
Born in 2000 in Benipatti village, Madhubani district, Thakur rose to prominence through her mastery of Maithili folk and Hindustani classical music. Her cultural stature was recognised by the Election Commission of India, which appointed her as a state icon for voter awareness. She has also served as brand ambassador for Madhubani district during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and for the Khadi and Village Industries Commission. With a large online following, she is seen as having considerable influence among younger voters.
Thakur recently met Union minister of state for home, Nityanand Rai, and BJP national general secretary, Vinod Tawde. Tawde fuelled speculation of her political entry by hailing her as the “daughter of Bihar” in a congratulatory social media post.
Political observers say her candidature, if confirmed, could be a strategic move to broaden the BJP’s appeal among youth and cultural constituencies in the state. But with the election schedule yet to be announced, the question remains whether Thakur’s foray into politics is imminent or simply the subject of speculation.
