Who is Maithili Thakur? Singer rumored to contest Bihar elections
What's the story
Folk singer Maithili Thakur has been in the news recently after meeting BJP leaders Union Minister Nityanand Rai and Vinod Tawde. This has led to speculation that she might contest the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025. She is best known for her Bhojpuri and Maithili folk songs, viral social media performances, and her tag as Bihar's "State Icon." Here's everything you need to know about her.
Musical beginnings
Early life and family background
Thakur was born in Benipatti, Madhubani district, Bihar, to Ramesh and Bharti Thakur, both Maithil musicians and music teachers based in Delhi. She began learning music from her grandfather at the age of four and started performing at jagrans and other musical events by the time she was 10. Along with her two brothers Ayachi and Rishav, she received training in Maithili Folk, harmonium, Hindustani classical music, and tabla from their grandfather and father.
Twitter Post
'The family that left Bihar when Lalu Raj came...'
वर्ष 1995 में बिहार में लालू राज आने
— Vinod Tawde (@TawdeVinod) October 5,पर जो परिवार बिहार छोड़कर चले गए, उस परिवार की बिटिया सुप्रसिद्ध गायिकामैथिली ठाकुर जी बदलते बिहार की रफ्तार को देखकर फिर से बिहार आना चाहती हैं।
आज गृह राज्यमंत्री @nityanandraibjp जी और मैंने उनसे आग्रह किया कि बिहार कीजनता के लिए और… pic.twitter.com/DrFtkxQWo0 2025
Career highlights
Career in music
Thakur gained recognition after participating in Zee TV's Little Champs in 2011. She later took part in Indian Idol Junior and went on to win the "i-genius Young Singing Star" contest in 2016. This led to the release of her first album, Ya Rabba, under Universal Music. Her videos of traditional folk songs from Bihar in Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Hindi went viral on social media, further boosting her popularity.
Political aspirations
'I would like to contest from my home constituency...'
Thakur has expressed her desire to contest the Bihar assembly elections from her home constituency in Benipatti. Speaking to reporters, she said, "I would like to contest from my home constituency... my village, if given a poll ticket. I have a special connection to that place." "Starting from there will also give me a chance to learn. Meeting people, talking to them... I will understand more if I start from my village," she added.
Political discussions
Thakur met Tawde, Rai recently
Thakur said she discussed various aspects of Bihar's future during her meeting with Tawde and Rai. The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the schedule for the Bihar Assembly Elections on Monday, with the first phase starting on November 6 and the second phase on November 11. The counting of votes will begin on November 14.