PATNA: Maithili Thakur, popular folk singer and BJP candidate from Alinagar Assembly seat in Bihar's Dharbhanga, was racing ahead of RJD's Binod Mishra, as per the Election Commission of India's (ECI) early trends.
Thakur, who is making her electoral debut, is leading with 4, 113 votes, the ECI trends showed at 10.40 a.m.
With her strong fan base in Mithilanchal playing a decisive role, the 25-year-old singer from Benipatti in Madhubani district was nominated by the BJP as a strategic move to leverage her popularity among youth and cultural enthusiasts to bolster its appeal in the region, where Alinagar has emerged as a key battleground seat.