Turban-throwing row: Will UP BJP leader Ketakee Singh's insult to Mithila's pride affect NDA's electoral prospects in Bihar?

BJP MLA from Uttar Pradesh, Ketakee Singh, is accused of hurting the identity and pride of the people of the Mithila region in poll-bound Bihar while campaigning for the party's candidate, folk singer Maithili Thakur, in Alinagar assembly constituency.

Maithili Thakur is considered the "daughter of Mithila."

Singh, who was on stage, threw away a turban, the symbol of the identity and pride of Mithila. The video of the incident has gone viral, attracting criticism on social media.

During the event, guests were welcomed with turbans. Singh then picked up a turban and asked the audience, "what is this turban?" and when the people responded saying "it is Mithila's honour, she threw it away. The MLA then said, "no, this not Mithila's honour, Maithili Thakur is Mithila's honour."

According to local media reports, the action did not go down well wth the people who called her action "an insult" to Mithila's culture and identity.

Local media reports quoted political analysts as saying that the controversy would affect the electoral prospects of the BJP in the Darbhanga and the Mithila region.

"The turban is not just a garment; it is a symbol of Mithila's identity and tradition. It is an insult to the entire Maithili community. The people of Mithila are deeply hurt by this" Rakesh Kumar Mishra, the Jan Suraj candidate for the Darbhanga Urban assembly constituency, has been quoted as saying by firstbihar.com.

"BJP leader Ketakee Singh has insulted the turban of Mithila. This is a direct attack not only on the turban but also on the culture of Mithila. Shamefully, people are clapping instead of snatching the microphone and chasing her away," said a social media user.

Another user asked the MLA to apologise for her actions or face a mass movement.

"Unfortunately, she belongs to the party that claims to protect our culture. Shame on you," said another.

Another user said, "Maithili Thakur can be called the daughter of Bihar without throwing away her turban or belittling it. In the reel era, politicians are so eager to emulate Salim-Javed during speeches that they end up doing something like this."

India