From Folk Star to Political Hope: Maithili Thakur Joins BJP for Bihar Polls

Renowned Maithili folk singer Maithili Thakur officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Patna, marking a significant shift from cultural icon to political contender. The 25-year-old, celebrated for her soulful renditions of folk and devotional songs, is reportedly being groomed to contest the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections from Alinagar in Darbhanga, a key constituency in the Mithilanchal region. The BJP aims to leverage Thakur’s immense popularity among young voters and her deep ties to Bihar’s cultural heritage to bolster its electoral campaign in the fiercely contested November 2025 polls.

Thakur’s entry into politics is driven by a heartfelt commitment to serve her home state. In an interview with NDTV, she expressed her motivations: “I want to serve Bihar. I have been doing this through my folk songs, and that is why I didn’t want to go abroad. I want to carry forward the culture of my region, and if politics gives me this opportunity, nothing would be more important to me.” Her focus on service over political maneuvering underscores her intent to use her platform to promote Bihar’s rich Maithili traditions and address regional aspirations, resonating with voters seeking authentic representation.

Her political journey gained momentum earlier this month when she and her father met senior BJP leaders, including Bihar in-charge Vinod Tawde and Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, in New Delhi. Tawde, in a post on X, hailed her as “Bihar’s daughter,” warmly welcoming her return to the state. Thakur, trained by her musician parents and grandfather, has risen to fame through performances on Indian Idol Junior and Rising Star, earning accolades like the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar in 2021. Her multilingual folk songs, blending Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Hindi, have made her a cultural ambassador for Bihar.

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Thakur’s prominence was further elevated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised her devotional song on Shabari during the 2024 Ayodhya Ram Temple inauguration. In a social media post, he wrote, “The occasion of Pran Pratishtha in Ayodhya is reminding my family members across the country of every incident related to the life and ideals of Lord Shri Ram... Listen to how Maithili Thakur ji has put it in her melodious tunes.” Additionally, Modi honored her with the “Cultural Ambassador of the Year” award, recognizing her contributions to India’s spiritual and artistic legacy.

As Bihar prepares for a high-stakes electoral battle between the NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc, Thakur’s induction into the BJP adds a fresh, youth-oriented dimension to the party’s strategy. Her potential candidacy in Alinagar, if confirmed, could galvanize the Maithil community and younger voters, blending cultural pride with political outreach. While her transition from stage to stump is unconventional, Thakur’s sincerity and regional connect position her as a formidable contender, potentially reshaping Bihar’s political landscape with her unique blend of artistry and public service.

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