Darbhanga, November 15: Renowned folk sensation Maithili Thakur has achieved a milestone rare in Bihar’s politics, winning the Alinagar Assembly seat and becoming the state’s youngest-ever MLA at just 25. Contesting her first election on a BJP ticket, Thakur defeated senior RJD leader Binod Mishra by a commanding margin of 11,730 votes, securing 84,915 votes against Mishra’s 73,185. This win breaks RJD’s dominance and marks the first BJP victory in Alinagar since the constituency was created in 2008.
A Cultural Icon Steps Into Public Life
Born on July 25, 2000, in Benipatti, Madhubani, Maithili Thakur grew up immersed in Maithili folk traditions and Hindustani classical music under the guidance of her grandfather and father, music teacher Ramesh Thakur. She shot to national fame after finishing runner-up in Colors TV’s Rising Star in 2017, losing by a narrow two-vote margin.
Her artistic journey built a massive fan base—6.3 million followers on Instagram and 1.4 million subscribers on YouTube—giving her a digital presence far stronger than most young political entrants. In 2021, she received the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar, and in March 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi honoured her as the Cultural Ambassador of the Year. Known for performing in numerous languages, she earns Rs 5–7 lakh per concert across India.
Campaign Strategy and a Symbolic Promise
Thakur formally joined the BJP on October 14, 2025, barely weeks before campaigning began. While political observers expected her to contest from her hometown Benipatti, the party fielded her from Alinagar, betting on the electorate’s desire for development after years of stagnation.
Her biggest campaign pitch was a culturally charged proposal: renaming Alinagar as “Sitanagar,” citing Mithilanchal’s deep connection with Goddess Sita. Presenting herself as “Mithila ki beti,” she combined devotional singing with political outreach, striking a chord with youth and women voters.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah campaigned for her personally and convinced 17 BJP rebels to withdraw their nominations, unifying the party machinery behind her candidacy.
Electoral Landscape and Voter Dynamics
Situated 38 km east of Darbhanga, Alinagar has nearly 2.75 lakh registered voters with a mixed demographic structure: around 20% Brahmin, over 21% Muslim, significant Yadav presence, and nearly 13% SC voters. The region faces persistent issues such as flooding, poor roads, and lack of higher education opportunities.
Both key contenders—Thakur and her 63-year-old rival Binod Mishra—belonged to the Brahmin community, making caste mobilisation a central factor. Mishra, who had narrowly lost in 2020, was unable to revive RJD’s influence this time.
Emotional Victory and Message to Voters
Speaking to ANI during counting, a visibly moved Thakur said,
This feels unreal. People have huge expectations from me. I will work with honesty and serve them as their daughter.”
She praised the strong turnout of women voters and acknowledged the impact of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s welfare initiatives, including schemes benefiting nearly 75 lakh JEEViKA workers.
Her win contributed substantially to the NDA’s sweeping victory in the state, where the alliance secured 202 of 243 seats. BJP became the largest party with 91 seats, while JD(U) won 83—reducing the opposition Mahagathbandhan to just 35 seats.
A Challenge to Political Dynasties
Maithili Thakur’s rise represents the growing influence of young, culturally rooted leaders who do not come from traditional political families. Her electoral affidavit lists assets worth around Rs 4 crore, including 408 grams of gold, multiple investments, and an income increase from Rs 12.02 lakh (2019-20) to Rs 28.67 lakh (2023-24)—reflecting her flourishing music career.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh termed the NDA’s win as “a mandate for development under Prime Minister Modi,” with Bihar recording its highest voter turnout since 1951 at 67.13%. Notably, women voters outnumbered men by nearly 4 lakh.
As Bihar prepares for Nitish Kumar’s anticipated tenth term as Chief Minister, all eyes will be on Maithili Thakur as she transitions from the world of music to legislative responsibilities, navigating the ideological contrast between BJP and JD(U) while attempting to deliver tangible change in Alinagar.
Also Read | Bihar Election Result 2025: NDA Edges Ahead as Record Turnout Shapes a Decisive Verdict
