India, Nov. 14 -- Popular folk singer Maithili Thakur was the first to show up on the lead table in the counting for the 2025 Bihar election that began at 8 am. She is facing Rashtriya Janata Dal's Binod Mishra for the Alinagar assembly seat, one of the most closely watched contests of the Mithilanchal region.

The BJP fielded Maithili Thakur just two days after she joined the party, replacing sitting MLA Mishri Lal Yadav, who was denied a ticket following legal troubles. The two-phase Bihar poll will be held on November 6 and 11, with results to be declared on November 14.

A celebrated voice in Maithili and Bhojpuri folk traditions, Maithili Thakur hails from Benipatti in Madhubani district, about 35 km from Alinagar. She and her brothe...