Maithili Thakur, a name synonymous with soulful folk melodies, has taken a surprising turn in her career, transitioning from a celebrated singer to a political candidate. Once a finalist on Diljit Dosanjh's 'Rising Star', Thakur is now contesting the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections from the Alinagar constituency as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Her entry into politics has sparked considerable interest, raising questions about whether her musical fame can translate into electoral success and inject fresh momentum into the Bihar BJP.
Born on July 25, 2000, in Madhubani, Bihar, Thakur's musical journey began early, nurtured by her father and grandfather, both accomplished musicians. She gained national recognition as the runner-up on the 2017 season of 'Rising Star,' a television singing competition judged by Diljit Dosanjh. Her performance of "Om Namah Shivaya" in the finals earned her widespread acclaim and significantly boosted her online popularity. Since then, Thakur, along with her brothers Rishav and Ayachi, has recorded numerous devotional and folk songs in various Indic languages, amassing a large following on social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube.
Thakur's rise as the "daughter of Mithila" caught the attention of the BJP, which saw an opportunity to leverage her popularity and cultural appeal. In October 2025, the party announced her candidacy from the Alinagar constituency, projecting her as a youthful face that blends tradition with modern appeal. Bihar BJP president Dilip Jaiswal expressed confidence that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would secure a resounding victory in the upcoming elections. The BJP is aiming to harness Mithila's cultural identity to gain electoral traction by fielding the 25-year-old singer.
Her election affidavit reveals that she possesses assets worth nearly ₹4 crore, with her annual income increasing from ₹12.02 lakh to ₹28.67 lakh over five years. She has gold holdings worth ₹53 lakh, ₹1.8 lakh in cash, and actively invests in mutual funds across various major schemes.
However, Thakur's political foray has not been without its challenges. A video of her struggling to articulate her "secret blueprint" for development went viral, raising questions about her political acumen. Critics have questioned whether political parties prioritize fame over substance when distributing tickets to popular figures. Some social media users have criticized her lack of a clear plan, while others have defended her "new communication style".
Despite the criticism, Thakur remains a prominent figure among young voters in Bihar. Some view her as a symbol of cultural pride and youthful energy, while others dismiss her as an untested celebrity. Recognizing her potential, the Election Commission previously appointed Thakur and her brothers as brand ambassadors of Madhubani in 2019.
As the 2025 Bihar Assembly election unfolds, all eyes are on Alinagar, where Thakur is locked in a close contest with RJD veteran Binod Mishra. The election is not just a clash of parties but also a clash of generations, with the 25-year-old Thakur challenging the 63-year-old Mishra for the seat. Early results indicate a tight race, with Thakur initially leading by a narrow margin. It remains to be seen whether her popularity as a folk singer will translate into electoral success and whether she can infuse a new dynamism into the Bihar BJP.
The BJP has been clear that this election is going to be about the "Mahila and Yuva" combination. Thakur, a singer turned politician, is expected to help the BJP in this regard.
