Patna:
In 1997, a reluctant Rabri Devi was installed as Bihar Chief Minister by her husband, Lalu Yadav, after he was implicated in the fodder scam. From a housewife, Rabri Devi went on to rule Bihar for three terms, all of which were dogged by allegation that she was a mere puppet in the hands of Lalu Yadav. Now, 13 years on, Rabri Devi is a reluctant participant in the politics of the state, once again contesting elections at the behest of her husband.
It might be Lalu Yadav's political battle, but she has two constituencies to contest this time. Rabri Devi will probably have to work overtime to justify this top billing by her husband.
While campaigning for Rabri, Lalu Yadav even said, "
Rabri Devi nari nahin, chingaari hai."
Party sources say, Lalu, who is not contesting the election, wants one of Rabri Devi's seats for himself, if the RJD-LJP combination wins.
"Nitish Kumar and Sushil Modi, want to rule by becoming MLC's, but Lalu Yadav never rules through the backdoor , this is all you need to know," said Lalu Yadav, President, RJD.
But critics say this time round Rabri Devi is on a shaky wicket. They also say the former three term Chief Minister of Bihar is a reluctant contestant, and she is in the rough and tumble of Bihar polls only because Lalu insists.
"I am contesting the elections from two seats. I won't say much, will only appeal to you to vote for me," said Rabri Devi.
After 2005, Rabri Devi became the leader of opposition in the Bihar assembly, but many within the RJD privately say her leadership in the house was lacklustre. She may yet survive contesting as she is from RJD strongholds, but the question is, for how much longer can she sustain her interest in politics.