Folk and devotional singer Maithili Thakur has officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stating that she was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Her move comes just ahead of the Bihar assembly elections.
Thakur shared that she is impressed with the leadership of both leaders and wishes to contribute to society through their vision. “I am very impressed with PM Modi and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. Drawing inspiration from them, I am here to support them,” she said.
She clarified that her decision to enter politics stems from a desire to serve people rather than personal ambition. “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,” Thakur added.
Embracing her identity as the “daughter of Mithila”, Thakur emphasized her deep connection to her homeland. “I am the daughter of Mithila, my soul resides in Mithila,” she stated.
Regarding her potential role within the BJP, Thakur mentioned that the party would decide her responsibilities. “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 said.
With a significant following across Bihar and beyond, particularly on social media, Thakur is well-known for her renditions of Maithili folk songs and devotional music.
Maithili Thakur’s Engagements with BJP Leaders
Thakur’s joining the BJP followed her recent meetings with BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde and Union minister Nityanand Rai. She expressed her readiness to contest in the Bihar assembly elections if the party fields her as a candidate.
“It would be a completely different journey for me, and I am ready for it,” the 25-year-old singer told reporters.
When asked about her preferred constituency, she noted her strong ties to both Madhubani and Darbhanga, stating, “My grandmother’s village is in Madhubani and my maternal grandmother’s village is in Darbhanga. People from both places love me equally. But ultimately, it will be the party’s decision.” Her ancestral village is located in Benipatti block of Madhubani district.
Thakur identified Prime Minister Narendra Modi as her favorite leader, sharing, “I have been listening to his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ and live speeches for years, which always inspired me.” She also expressed gratitude to Vinod Tawde for his support and for mentioning her on X (formerly Twitter), calling it a significant gesture.
“I want to serve the people of Bihar. I have already been doing so through folk songs, but if politics gives me another way to serve, I will do it not through politics but through service to the region,” she remarked.
Potential Constituencies for Maithili Thakur
Sources within the BJP suggest that Maithili Thakur might be considered for the Benipatti or Alinagar Assembly seats, although the party has not yet made any official announcements regarding her candidacy.
Thakur rose to prominence after being a runner-up in the 2017 reality TV show ‘The Rising Star’ and maintains a substantial presence on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube.