The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released its second list of candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, slated for November 6 and 11, with vote counting on November 14. Among the 12 names announced, the most prominent is folk singer Maithili Thakur, who will be contesting from Alinagar constituency. The announcement follows Thakur's formal induction into the BJP in Patna on Tuesday.
Maithili Thakur, a 25-year-old native of Benipatti in the Madhubani district, is a well-known figure in the world of folk and devotional music. Trained in Indian classical music, she sings in multiple languages, including Maithili, Hindi, and Bhojpuri, and has gained a significant following for her soulful renditions and her efforts to promote Maithili culture. Thakur's rise to fame began at a young age, captivating audiences with her voice and traditional melodies. She has performed at numerous national and international events and literature festivals. In 2019, the Election Commission appointed Maithili and her two brothers, Rishav and Ayachi, as brand ambassadors of Madhubani. She was also awarded the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2021. In March 2024, she received the Cultural Ambassador of the Year Award at the National Creators Award.
Thakur's entry into politics is seen as a strategic move by the BJP to appeal to youth and culturally inclined voters. Sources indicate that Thakur had signaled her willingness to enter politics from her home turf in Benipatti. Prior to joining the BJP, she met with key party leaders, including Vinod Tawde and Union Minister Nityanand Rai, fueling speculation about her political debut.
Upon joining the BJP, Thakur expressed her admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, stating that she draws inspiration from their vision. She emphasized her commitment to serving society and promoting the party's ideology. "I do not believe that joining a political party makes you a politician; I am here to serve society and take their ideology to each and every person," she stated. Identifying herself as the "daughter of Mithila," Thakur affirmed her deep connection to her homeland.
The BJP's second list also includes names like Ram Chandra Prasad from Hayaghat, Ranjan Kumar from Muzaffarpur, and Subhash Singh from Gopalganj. The party had previously announced its first list of 71 candidates, which included Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha. The Bihar Assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, with the results being declared on November 14.
