In the Bihar assembly elections, the BJP has fielded 25-year-old folk singer Maithili Thakur from Alinagar constituency in Darbhanga district, hoping to convert Mithila's cultural pride into electoral success. Despite her popularity as a regional artist, Thakur faces significant challenges in this traditional RJD stronghold. Alinagar was controlled by veteran leader Abdul Bari Siddiqui for seven terms before VIP's Mishri Lal Yadav won narrowly in 2020 by just over 3,000 votes. The constituency has a complex social composition, with Brahmins and Muslims each forming around 20%, followed by Yadavs, EBCs, and Dalits. The RJD has nominated Binod Mishra, while Jan Suraj's candidate is Biplaw Kumar Chowdhary. Though many residents admire Thakur's musical achievements and see her as Mithila's daughter, doubts persist about her political experience and local connect. Voters appear divided between cultural pride, caste loyalty, welfare benefits, and traditional political alignments. The BJP's strategy relies on consolidating upper-caste votes, attracting non-Yadav OBCs, and leveraging government welfare schemes, especially cash transfers to women, while banking on Thakur's emotional appeal as the region's cultural icon.
Celebrity Candidate Faces Tough Electoral Ground
Alinagar has remained RJD territory for decades, and the BJP has never won here. The social arithmetic is challenging, with caste loyalties running deep. While some Brahmin voters express support for Thakur as gaon ki beti (daughter of the village), others remain sceptical. Rajneesh Jha, a 24-year-old worker, says his vote is for Modi and NDA development, not her stardom. Guneshwar Yadav calls her a child who does not understand politics but will vote because the Prime Minister has blessed her. Local BJP leader Sanjay Singh, who had hoped for the ticket himself, now leads her campaign and serves as her crucial link to grassroots voters across the constituency.
Caste and Welfare May Decide the Outcome
Despite Thakur's cultural appeal, traditional factors may prove decisive. Surender Yadav bluntly calls her a videshi (outsider), noting the constituency has too many Yadavs and Muslims for BJP success. A Yadav woman beneficiary of welfare schemes says her vote will follow caste lines regardless of government benefits. Young tutor Satya Narayan Yadav admires her music but criticises BJP for dragging her into politics. Even sympathetic voices acknowledge her inexperience and frequent travels for performances raise questions about her availability. Mohammed Izhar, a pan seller, predicts votes will be decided the night before polling, with Yadavs and Muslims backing RJD's lantern symbol while floating votes determine the final result.
Source: Link