Maithili Thakur, a 25-year-old folk singer and BJP candidate, is leading the race for the Alinagar seat in the Bihar assembly elections. As of the latest count, she is ahead by 8,551 votes against her opponent, Binod Mishra from the RJD. If this trend continues, Thakur will become the youngest MLA in Bihar's history, having celebrated her 25th birthday in July this year.

Thakur expressed her excitement about the election results, stating, "This is like a dream. People have a lot of expectations of me... This will be my first term as an MLA, and I will do my best for my constituency... I will serve my people as their daughter..." She has also promised to rename Alinagar to Sitanagar if elected.

Originally from Benipatti in Madhubani district, Thakur has a strong background in music, trained in both Indian classical and folk traditions. She gained national recognition after participating in the reality show "Rising Star India" in 2017. Her family has been supportive of her musical journey, with her father, Ramesh Thakur, being a music teacher.

In this election, the NDA coalition, which includes the BJP, is leading in 190 seats, while the opposition Mahagathabandhan is trailing. Thakur's victory would mark a significant shift in Alinagar, a seat previously held by the RJD, which has a considerable Muslim population. The constituency has been a stronghold for the opposition since 2008.

Thakur's campaign has been a family affair, with her siblings actively participating in her rallies. If elected, she aims to introduce Mithila painting in schools, improve education for girls, and create job opportunities for youth in her constituency. Her rise in politics reflects a changing landscape in Bihar, where younger candidates are increasingly making their mark.