By Tajdar H. Zaidi
As the political temperature in Bihar begins to rise ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, a new and unexpected name has entered the conversation — Maithili Thakur, the celebrated folk and devotional singer known for her melodious voice and deep cultural roots in Mithilanchal.
The 25-year-old singer, adored across India for reviving Maithili, Bhojpuri, and folk traditions, has responded to mounting speculation about her political debut.
While she stopped short of confirming any plans, Maithili’s recent meetings with senior BJP leaders have set the political grapevine buzzing — and given a new twist to the unfolding election narrative.
The buzz that started it all
Last week, Maithili Thakur met BJP election in-charge Vinod Tawde and Union Minister Nityanand Rai during her visit to Bihar. The photos from that meeting, shared by Tawde himself on social media, went viral within hours.
Tawde’s accompanying post hinted at her emotional return to the state after decades, noting that her family had left Bihar in 1995 during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure — and that Maithili now wishes to return “after seeing Bihar’s progress.”
Her sudden proximity to senior BJP figures has ignited speculation that she could be fielded from a seat in Darbhanga, her home district and a stronghold of cultural pride in Mithila.
Maithili’s careful words — and emotional undertones
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Maithili neither confirmed nor denied the buzz. Her response, though measured, carried emotional resonance: I too have been seeing these things on TV.
I recently visited Bihar and had the opportunity to meet Nityanand Rai as well as Vinod Tawde. We discussed Bihar’s development and future.
No official announcement has been made at this time. But let’s see what happens. I would like to stand from my village constituency because I have an attachment to it.”
That “attachment” — to her land, language, and people — has been a defining part of Maithili’s public identity. Her vast following among the youth and the diaspora could make her a valuable face for any party hoping to connect emotionally with Bihar’s traditional and digital audiences alike.
Election season on the streets
With the Election Commission expected to announce dates soon, Bihar’s political scene has burst into life. The streets of Patna, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, and Madhubani are already dotted with posters, flags, and slogans.
Political rallies are picking up momentum — blaring loudspeakers, padyatras through narrow lanes, and karyakartas on motorbikes waving party flags.
Tea stalls, paan shops, and street corners have turned into mini political debates — where talk of Maithili Thakur’s possible candidacy has added a new, almost poetic layer to the chatter.
“Ab gaane wali neta banegi?” quipped one shopkeeper in Laheriasarai, capturing both curiosity and excitement. On social media, fans are divided — some cheering her as a “daughter of Mithila” who should represent her soil, while others urge her to stay above politics.
Culture meets politics
If Maithili Thakur does take the plunge, she would join a growing trend of artists and cultural icons entering politics — a reflection of how emotional and cultural narratives now influence electoral strategy.
For the BJP, fielding a young, widely admired cultural figure could reinforce its outreach to women and first-time voters, while also invoking pride in Bihar’s heritage and linguistic identity.
Political analysts say her entry could reshape equations in north Bihar. “Maithili Thakur’s appeal transcends caste and age — she connects through culture. If she joins politics, her presence will be symbolic as much as electoral,” said a political observer from Darbhanga University.
Maithili’s message to her followers
When asked about her political preference or support, Maithili chose restraint, saying: I don’t want to comment on this right now. I am standing strong to contribute whatever possible towards the country’s development.”
Her statement, though neutral, has done little to calm the speculation. For now, Bihar waits — watching closely whether its beloved voice will soon echo not just in songs of devotion, but from the stage of electoral politics.
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