Rabri Devi
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Rabri Devi: Profile of Bihar’s First Woman Chief Minister
Background
Rabri Devi was born in 1955 in Salar Kalan, Gopalganj district, Bihar, to Sib Prasad Chaudhary and Maharjia Devi. She came from a humble background and was one of seven children. Before entering politics, she was a full-time homemaker devoted to raising her nine children and managing her household.wikipedia+1
Rise to Power
Unexpected Leadership
On July 25, 1997, Rabri Devi’s life changed dramatically when her husband Lalu Prasad Yadav, facing arrest for corruption charges related to the Fodder Scam, resigned as Chief Minister of Bihar. In an unanticipated political move, he nominated Rabri Devi, who had no prior legislative or leadership experience, as his successor. Her sudden elevation kept control within the family and allowed Lalu to maintain strong influence in the state's governance.indianexpress+2
Chief Ministerial Tenure
Terms and Political Context
Rabri Devi served as the Chief Minister of Bihar for three non-consecutive terms between 1997 and 2005, making her the first and only woman to hold the office in Bihar and the last chief minister of undivided Bihar before the creation of Jharkhand. Her tenure included periods from July 25, 1997, to February 11, 1999; March 9, 1999, to March 2, 2000; and March 11, 2000, to March 6, 2005.wikigraphy+1
Governance and Challenges
Controversies and Criticism
Rabri Devi’s leadership was frequently described as symbolic empowerment for backward-class women, but critics labelled her a "rubber stamp" for her husband. Her tenure was beset by controversy and allegations of corruption, including participation in disproportionate assets cases and law-and-order issues. In February 1999, her government was dismissed for "breakdown of law and order" and President’s Rule was imposed, though she was reinstated within a month after public and parliamentary protests.ndtv+2
Political Opposition and Reinstatement
The period was politically turbulent; in March 2000, Nitish Kumar was briefly sworn in as Chief Minister, yet his NDA alliance lacked a majority, and Rabri Devi returned to office within days. She continued to face strong opposition and criticism but remained in office until the RJD lost power in the 2005 Assembly elections, which followed Bihar’s bifurcation.indianexpress
Legacy
Rabri Devi’s ascent inspired many women from disadvantaged backgrounds, symbolizing that persistent commitment could shatter social and patriarchal barriers. Despite being perceived as an accidental leader, she survived and led through a challenging era in Bihar’s politics. Today, she serves as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) and Leader of Opposition in Bihar’s upper house. Her son, Tejashwi Yadav, has taken a central role in the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), continuing their political legacy.ndtv+2
Summary
First and only woman Chief Minister of Bihar (1997–2005).wikipedia+1
Rose unexpectedly from homemaker to political leader due to husband’s resignation and legal troubles.ndtv+1
Served three terms, navigating major controversies, opposition, and family leadership.wikigraphy+1
Remains a symbol of empowerment for backward-class and rural women in the state.rjd+1
2025: holds office in the Bihar Legislative Council and continues to be active in state politics.ndtv+1
