BJP candidate from Alinagar seat Maithili Thakur is in controversy over the alleged insult of ‘Mithila Paag’. In a video, there is an allegation of using Paag as a bowl. BJP MLA also attacked this issue, which RJD has made an election issue.
The contest on Alinagar seat of Darbhanga in Bihar Assembly elections 2025 has now become interesting as it is embroiled in a serious cultural dispute. The BJP candidate on this seat is famous folk singer Maithili Thakur, whose campaign has been linked to the alleged insult to the pride of Mithila region ‘Mithila Paag’ (turban). Mithila Paag is not just a garment or a turban, it is the biggest symbol of the age-old culture, tradition and self-respect of Mithila region. Paag is worn on the head of scholars, respected persons, guests or grooms and is a sign of highest respect. This is why for the people of Mithilanchal, insulting Paag has become an issue directly related to their cultural identity, which they do not tolerate.
Accusation of turning ‘Paag’ into a bowl and attack by BJP MLA
This controversy started with a viral video of Maithili Thakur, in which she was seen behaving in a light manner with Mithila Paag kept with her. The controversy further flared up when another video surfaced, in which Maithili Thakur was allegedly seen using the same paag as a ‘bowl’ and eating makhana in it. As soon as these video clips surfaced, there was outrage on social media, where people described ‘using’ Paag in this manner as a mockery of Mithila’s tradition.
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This issue became completely political when Uttar Pradesh BJP MLA Ketki Singh reached Alinagar to address an election rally in support of Maithili Thakur. He publicly attacked Maithili Thakur from an open platform, saying that Paag is our ‘symbol of identity, pride and respect’ and it is not an ordinary cloth. Ketki Singh also demanded a public apology from Maithili Thakur for this alleged insult.
RJD raised the issue and BJP MLA gave clarification
The controversy became even bigger when the opposition party, RJD, made it an election issue. RJD candidate Vinod Mishra targeted both Ketki Singh and BJP and said that “insulting the pride of Mithila cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.” He sarcastically said that the people of Alinagar will send Maithili Thakur to the school of politics after teaching him a lesson.
Ketki Singh herself came forward for damage control after the huge opposition and political turmoil regarding ‘Paag’ on social media. Wearing a scarf on his head, he expressed his regret in front of the media and accused the opposition of blowing things out of proportion due to the ‘non-existence of an issue’. Reversing his earlier statement, he said, “Paag has equal respect for me, but every daughter (Maithili Thakur) in the society should also have equal respect.” At the same time, Maithili Thakur also responded and clarified that she had no intention of hurting anyone’s sentiments and that she has always respected Paag, and has also been working as an ambassador of Mithila’s culture.
Impact of electoral turmoil and controversy on Alinagar seat
Maithili Thakur’s candidature and then this ‘Paag’ controversy has made Alinagar seat of Darbhanga one of the hottest seats of Bihar elections. While on one hand BJP MLA supported the folk singer and accused her of insulting Paag, on the other hand RJD is trying to take political advantage by linking it with ‘Mithila’s self-respect’. Now it will be interesting to see what effect this cultural boil has on the election results.