‘Here to serve society’: Maithili Thakur joins BJP ahead of Bihar polls; likely to contest from Alinagar

NEW DELHI: In a major political development ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, folk and devotional singer Maithili Thakur on Tuesday formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Patna, in the presence of Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal.As per news agency ANI, sources indicate that Thakur is likely to contest from Alinagar in Darbhanga. The 243-seat Bihar Assembly polls are scheduled in two phases on November 6 and 11, with counting on November 14.Addressing the media, Jaiswal expressed confidence in the

NDA

's victory, claiming that voters have already decided to form an NDA government with a “thumping majority.” Taking a dig at the opposition Mahagathbandhan, he added, “Opposition is disheartened and depressed… More than a dozen MLAs from RJD-Congress will join the BJP.

Opposition is collapsing everywhere; it has a 'flat tyre.’”After joining the party, Maithili Thakur said, “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 that 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… I will do whatever the party orders”.

Earlier in the day, the BJP released its first list of 71 candidates for the Bihar elections.The NDA has finalised a seat-sharing arrangement with the BJP and

JDU

contesting 101 seats each, LJP (Ram Vilas) 29, and smaller allies on six seats each. They will face the INDIA bloc, led by Tejashwi Yadav of the RJD, alongside the Congress, CPI (ML), CPI, CPM, and Mukesh Sahani's VIP. The elections will also see the entry of Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj, marking a new political player in the state.Who is Maithili Thakur?Maithili Thakur, born in Benipatti, Madhubani district, Bihar, is a renowned folk and devotional singer, celebrated for her songs in Maithili, Hindi and Bhojpuri. She gained national recognition at a young age and has performed at prestigious events, including the Maha Kumbh. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised her for singing a devotional song on Maa Shabri. Known for her deep connection to her roots, Thakur had earlier expressed a desire to serve her community and contribute to regional development through politics.