Rabri Devi's journey from a housewife to the Chief Minister of Bihar for three terms is a remarkable and somewhat controversial chapter in Indian political history. Born on January 1, 1955, in Salar Kalan village, Gopalganj district, Bihar, to Sib Prasad Chaudhary and Maharjia Devi, Rabri Devi's early life was rooted in a humble, rural background. She received education only up to the fifth standard at a local school. In 1973, at the age of 18, she married Lalu Prasad Yadav, who would later become a prominent political figure in Bihar.
Before her unexpected entry into politics, Rabri Devi was a traditional housewife, primarily focused on managing her household and raising her nine children. She had no prior political experience or public profile. However, circumstances thrust her into the political limelight in 1997.
In 1997, Lalu Prasad Yadav, then the Chief Minister of Bihar, faced arrest warrants due to corruption charges related to the Fodder Scam. Forced to resign from his post, Lalu Prasad Yadav made the unexpected decision to appoint his wife, Rabri Devi, as his successor. On July 25, 1997, Rabri Devi was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar, a move that was met with surprise and skepticism by many.
Rabri Devi's appointment was considered an unprecedented and awkward decision in Indian political history, primarily because she had no prior experience or demonstrated interest in politics. Her lack of formal education and political background made her an easy target for criticism and opposition. Opponents and critics often mocked her illiteracy and inexperience, creating significant challenges for her in navigating the complex political landscape of Bihar.
Despite the initial challenges and criticisms, Rabri Devi served three terms as Chief Minister of Bihar, from 1997 to 2005. Her first term lasted from July 25, 1997, to March 9, 1999, followed by a second term from March 9, 1999, to March 11, 2000, and a third term from March 11, 2000, to March 6, 2005. While her political inexperience was evident, she gradually learned to handle the responsibilities of her office.
During her tenure, Bihar faced numerous challenges, including socio-political turmoil, corruption, and allegations of misgovernance. The period was often referred to as "Jungle Raj" due to the perceived rise in crime and corruption. Despite these challenges, Rabri Devi remained in power for a significant period, supported by her husband's political influence and the Rashtriya Janata Dal's (RJD) political base.
After her tenures as Chief Minister, Rabri Devi continued to be involved in politics. She was elected to the Bihar Legislative Assembly from the Raghopur seat multiple times. She also served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Council. In recent years, she has remained an active member of the RJD, advocating for social justice, women's empowerment, and rural development. As of February 2024, she is serving as the leader of the opposition in the Bihar Legislative Council.
Rabri Devi's political journey is a compelling narrative of an ordinary housewife thrust into an extraordinary role. While her tenure as Chief Minister was marked by both controversy and resilience, her story remains a significant part of Bihar's political history.
