A major political and cultural storm has erupted in Bihar after a viral video showed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Ketki Singh allegedly discarding the traditional Mithila Paag during an NDA workers’ conference in Darbhanga. The incident, which took place in the presence of singer and BJP candidate Maithili Thakur, has sparked widespread outrage across Mithila and beyond.

The controversy unfolded during a felicitation ceremony at Alinagar, where Ketki Singh — the BJP MLA from Bansdih, Uttar Pradesh — was presented with the Mithila Paag, a revered symbol of regional pride and respect. Eyewitnesses claim that Singh, appearing puzzled, asked, “What is this Paag?” When told it represents the honour of Mithila, she reportedly responded, “No, it’s not this turban that honours Mithila, but this (Maithili Thakur),” before setting the headgear aside on a table.

The gesture immediately drew protests from attendees and cultural groups, who accused the MLA of disrespecting Mithila’s heritage. Locals present at the event described the act as “insulting” and “emotionally hurtful.” The event was attended by several senior BJP leaders, including Bihar Minister Hari Sahni, Darbhanga MP Gopalji Thakur, district election in-charge Upendra Tiwari, and BJP Darbhanga East President Vinay Paswan.

The Mithila Students’ Union (MSU) condemned the act, calling it a “deliberate humiliation of Mithila’s culture.” MSU National President Vidya Bhushan Rai stated, “This is not just an insult to the Paag but to the entire identity of Mithila. BJP must apologise publicly for this act of cultural disregard.”

Singer Priya Mallick, a popular Maithili performer, also criticised the MLA’s behaviour on X (formerly Twitter), calling it “an attack on the soul of Mithila.” She urged local organisations to take legal action and announced a symbolic protest to defend regional pride.