Bihar Election 2025: If the politics of Bihar is defined in any one word, then it is “struggle”. From the politics of caste, religion, regional identity and dynasty to Chanakyaji faces like Lalu-Nitish, Bihar has given everything to Indian politics that makes the politics of a democratic state a lively and debate. But a question has been echoing for decades among all these pride, “Where is the place of women in the politics of Bihar?”
When Rabri Devi took over the Chief Minister’s chair in 1997, the whole country was shocked. A housewife, who did not even know the ABC of politics, would one day hold the reins of Bihar, it was beyond imagination. But this step was not just a political stunt, but it opened the doors of possibilities for women. Rabri Devi, who once lived behind the screen, was now on the highest stage of power.
But what after Rabri?
Since Rabri Devi, no female face has reached that height in Bihar politics till now. Yes, some names emerged but either they went into the background or male got buried in the shadow of leaders. The 2025 assembly election is now close, and once again this question has intensified, will Bihar get a new woman face?
Rabri Devi: Start of an experiment or change,
Rabri Devi’s becoming the Chief Minister was as much as the bold move, the more disputed. She always accused that she was a puppet of Lalu Prasad Yadav. But this ‘puppet’ ran the state for 8 years and this is no less achievement. Her participation in power has definitely proved that if women get a chance, they can also handle power. Rabri Devi set an example of women leadership in Bihar, but why could this wave not move forward?
Women are the leader, but who is the face?
Many women are active in the current politics of Bihar, Renu Devi of BJP, Anita Singh of Congress, Misa Bharti of RJD, and Jitan Ram Manjhi’s daughter -in -law Rajdulari Devi are many names. But is one of these chances of becoming a ‘Chief Minister face’?
1. Misa Bharti: Rabri Devi and Lalu Yadav’s eldest daughter. Rajya Sabha MP and also influential in the party. But the biggest challenge before Misa Bharti is that she is seen as a land cut leader. They do not have a support base, and have not been able to win any major election till now.
2. Renu Devi: She has been a senior BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister. There is a strong hold in the organization and there is also the advantage of being a leader of backward classes. But the BJP never presents him as the chief ministerial contender.
3. Young faces like Anamika Singh, Pragati Mehta: They have energy, the ability to deliver speech, and also ground engagement. But they do not get enough platforms from the media and the party high command.
The road is still difficult for a woman
The politics of Bihar has still not been able to get out of male domination. To reach power here, a strong ethnic equation, hold in the organization, and the ground connection is necessary. Women leaders are still seen with the help of ‘family heritage’ or under ‘Kota Politics’. Changing this mindset is most important.
Women’s reservation law and new scenario
The Women’s Reservation Act, which has passed in Parliament recently, is now likely to be implemented in the Legislative Assembly. This will provide 33% reservation to women. This change can prove to be historic for a state like Bihar. The election of 2025 is also special in the sense that women voters are now playing a decisive role. The voting percentage of women in the 2020 assembly elections was more than men. In such a situation, all parties now need strong women faces to woo women voters.
Is any future rabri getting ready?
The answer to this question is not easy. But it is certain that now the demand of women leaders in Bihar politics is increasing. From social workers to educated, young girls, now women want to become leaders, not just voters. From the politics of the students’ union to the panchayat level, women are now learning to lead gradually. Be it RJD or JDU, BJP or Congress, everyone is looking for a new female face who can carry forward the legacy of Rabri Devi, but in her own way.
When is the second chapter of women leadership in Bihar politics?
Rabri Devi started a tradition, but it remains to be pursued. The election of 2025 can be an opportunity where a new face gives a new direction to the politics of Bihar. This face can come from the village, from a university, or from a social movement. But one thing is certain that Bihar cannot keep women only by making audiences, they have to be made decisive. Perhaps the next Chief Minister is a woman, and she became a new hope not only for Bihar but for the whole country. After Rabri Devi, Bihar’s politics is waiting for a new queen who can redefine the language of power.
