BJP names folk singer Maithili Thakur in Bihar candidate list: What’s the larger strategy?

Patna: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced its second list of candidates for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, fielding 12 nominees including folk singer Maithili Thakur from the Alinagar constituency and former IPS officer Anand Mishra from Buxar.

The announcement comes ahead of the two-phase polls scheduled for 6 and 11 November, with vote counting to take place on 14 November. The BJP, a key constituent of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), released the list as part of its ongoing campaign strategy in Bihar.

Maithili Thakur joins BJP and praises Modi, Nitish Kumar

Maithili Thakur, known for her folk and devotional singing rooted in Mithila’s cultural tradition, formally joined the BJP in Patna earlier this week. After joining, she expressed admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, crediting their leadership for inspiring her entry into politics.

“I am very impressed with the PM and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. Drawing inspiration from them, I am here to support them. I do not believe joining a political party makes you a politician; I am here to serve society and take their ideology to each and every person. I am the daughter of Mithila; my soul resides in Mithila,” Thakur told ANI.

Folk and devotional singer Maithili Thakur has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Patna, days before the Bihar Assembly elections. Thakur, 25, said her decision was inspired by the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and that she wanted to contribute to society through their vision.

Calling herself the “daughter of Mithila”, Thakur said her roots and identity remained tied to her homeland. “I am the daughter of Mithila; my soul resides in Mithila,” she said.

She added that she would abide by the party’s directives regarding her role in the elections. “The party will decide what they have in mind for me; I am here to support them fully,” she said.

BJP leadership hails Thakur’s induction

Bihar BJP president Dilip Jaiswal welcomed Maithili Thakur’s induction, describing her as a “symbol of Bihar’s rich cultural heritage”. He said supporting young talents like Thakur would strengthen the state’s cultural identity and motivate future generations.

“Maithili Thakur is the daughter of Bihar and Mithila who is bringing glory to our culture worldwide. It is our responsibility to encourage her and help her move forward,” Jaiswal told ANI.

Seat-sharing and alliances for Bihar polls

The NDA recently finalised its seat-sharing arrangement for the Bihar elections. Under the agreement, both the BJP and the Janata Dal (United) will contest 101 seats each. The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) will field candidates on 29 seats, while the Rashtriya Lok Morcha and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) will contest six seats each.

The NDA will face the INDIA bloc led by Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the Congress, and Left parties including the CPI, CPI (ML), and CPM. Political strategist Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj is also expected to make its electoral debut in this election.

The BJP’s decision to field Maithili Thakur marks an attempt to reach out to young voters and the Mithila region’s cultural base. Thakur, 25, gained popularity through her performances in folk and classical music, representing Bihar’s traditional art forms on national platforms.

Possible candidature in Bihar polls

Sources within the BJP indicated that Maithili Thakur could be considered for either the Benipatti or Alinagar Assembly seat, though an official announcement has not yet been made. The speculation follows her growing popularity across Bihar and beyond, where she commands a large social media following and deep cultural resonance.

Thakur said she would fully abide by the party’s decision regarding her political role. “The party will know what they have in mind for me; I am here just to support them. I will do whatever the party orders,” she told reporters.

Expressing readiness to contest the Bihar Assembly election, she said, “It would be a completely different journey for me, and I am ready for it.”

Meanwhile, Anand Mishra, a former IPS officer known for his service record and anti-corruption stance, has been fielded from the politically significant Buxar constituency. His candidature signals the BJP’s effort to combine public appeal with administrative credibility.

The upcoming Bihar Assembly election will be crucial for both the NDA and the INDIA bloc as they vie for control over the 243-member House. Political analysts say the inclusion of figures like Maithili Thakur underlines the BJP’s strategy to blend cultural resonance with electoral outreach.

The two-phase voting in November will set the stage for a high-stakes contest, testing alliances, leadership, and emerging players in Bihar’s political landscape.