Bihar’s Alinagar assembly constituency is witnessing a tightly contested election as counting continues. Singer-turned-politician Maithili Thakur of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken an early lead over Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidate Binod Mishra. In the initial rounds, Thakur secured 7,637 votes, establishing a margin of 3,004 votes, while Mishra trailed with 4,633 votes.The early trends indicate strong support for Thakur in a constituency that has traditionally been competitive. With the BJP fielding a popular cultural icon, the party is aiming to expand its influence in northern Bihar beyond urban and upper-caste strongholds. Observers are closely monitoring the counting, as Alinagar’s outcome could signal voter sentiment across the broader Darbhanga region.Early life and educational backgroundMaithili Thakur was born in Benipatti, Madhubani district, Bihar, to Ramesh Thakur and Bharti Thakur. Her father, a musician and music teacher, and her mother nurtured her talent in Maithili folk and Hindustani classical music. Trained initially by her grandfather and later by her father, Maithili began performing at the age of four and participated in musical events and jagrans by the age of ten.The family relocated to Dwarka in New Delhi to provide Maithili with better opportunities in music. While her early life was focused on classical training and performances, she pursued formal education alongside her musical career. She completed her schooling while continuing intensive training in harmonium, tabla, and vocal music.Follow the latest updates on Bihar election results live by visiting The Times of India live blog here.Academic qualifications and trainingMaithili Thakur’s educational journey reflects a balance between academics and artistic development. She completed her higher secondary education in New Delhi while maintaining rigorous practice schedules. Her training extended beyond casual lessons, encompassing structured learning in Indian classical music, folk traditions, and performance techniques.She actively participated in national-level music competitions, including Little Champs and Indian Idol Junior, which contributed to her stage experience and confidence. While formal degree details are not extensively documented, her consistent academic progress ensured she maintained eligibility for public engagements and later political participation.Professional music career alongside educationAlongside her studies, Maithili launched a professional music career. She became the first finalist of the television show Rising Star, significantly increasing her visibility. She later performed nationally and internationally with her brothers, Rishav and Ayachi, and engaged in digital content creation. Through platforms like YouTube and Facebook, Maithili reached millions while pursuing her education.Her commitment to learning and education did not waver despite a growing career in music. She integrated her academic knowledge with cultural and linguistic skills, enabling her to promote Madhubani art and Maithili folk music effectively.Political engagement and future prospectsIn 2025, Maithili Thakur entered politics, joining the BJP and contesting from Alinagar constituency. Her educational grounding, combined with a successful music career, provided a platform to connect with young and first-time voters. While results continue to be counted, her background demonstrates the interplay of formal learning and cultural expertise, highlighting a trajectory where education and artistic excellence contribute to public life.
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