Maithili Thakur, a 25-year-old folk singer, is poised to become Bihar's youngest Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). Thakur, who contested the 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly election from the Alinagar assembly constituency as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is leading against her opponent, Binod Mishra, an RJD heavyweight, by a significant margin.

Thakur's journey to the political arena is an interesting one. Before entering politics, she was a well-known face in the Indian music scene. She gained national recognition as a teenager through her participation in television singing reality shows. In 2011, Thakur appeared in Little Champs, followed by Indian Idol Junior in 2015. In 2017, she was a finalist on "Rising Star".

Born on July 25, 2000, in Madhubani district, Bihar, Maithili's musical training began at a young age. Her father, Ramesh Thakur, a musician and music teacher, recognized her potential early on and relocated the family to Delhi to provide her with better opportunities. Maithili received training in Maithili folk and Hindustani classical music from her father and grandfather. Her brothers, Rishav and Ayachi, also joined her in her musical pursuits, with Rishav playing the tabla and Ayachi contributing vocals and percussion.

Thakur's foray into politics began with speculation about her potential candidacy in the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections. She met with BJP leaders, which fueled rumors about her contesting from her native constituency. On October 14, 2025, she officially joined the BJP and received a ticket from the Alinagar Assembly constituency.

Maithili Thakur's campaign has been centered around her cultural background and promises of social reform. She has also vowed to rename her constituency to Sitanagar. Her election would mark the first time the BJP has won in Alinagar, a Darbhanga seat with a significant Muslim population.

Thakur's financial disclosures reveal assets worth nearly ₹4 crore. Her income has grown significantly through her singing, social media work, and brand partnerships. She also has investments in mutual funds and owns land valued at nearly ₹1.5 crore.

Maithili Thakur's rise from a teenage singing sensation to a potential MLA represents a new chapter in her career. Her blend of cultural appeal and political ambition has resonated with voters in Bihar, positioning her to become one of the youngest members of the state's Legislative Assembly.