Laloo does a gamble by making Rabri contest

PATNA, MAY 9: Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi's first encounter with electoral politics turned out to be a damp squib as there was very th...

PATNA, MAY 9: Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi’s first encounter with electoral politics turned out to be a damp squib as there was very thin attendance when she went to Raghopur to file her nomination. Not more than a hundred supporters were present to cheer the Chief Minister.

The decision of RJD chief Laloo Prasad Yadav to nominate his wife from Raghopur, from where he won the last Assembly election, is a well-planned one. Although Laloo wanted to keep the seat, he did not wish to antagonise the local caste men who had reportedly taken exception to his resignation from the seat in 1995.

According to party sources, nominating Rabri Devi from Raghopur is a major gamble Laloo Prasad has played. Her defeat could cause turmoil in the ruling party which will have to search for a new leader. The sources say her defeat will also unleash many divergent forces detrimental to the interest of the party.

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Even then Laloo Prasad fielded Rabri Devi and began preparing for her candidature. His first move was to win over Bishundeo Rai, veteran JD(U) leader from the area and an associate of Ram Vilas Paswan.

If she wins, her victory will establish Rabri Devi as the leader of the masses. Laloo, in fact, is believed to be worried about the future of the cases filed by the CBI in fodder scam even though he has been putting up a brave face. Making Rabri Devi contest from Raghopur is a move to create a second line of leadership in the RJD which has been absent so far.

However, sources also say that it was Rabri Devi’s strong will to contest the elections that forced Laloo Prasad to give his consent. Rabri is a member of the Legislative Council.

Raghopur was chosen because of its significance. The Yadavs have a strong presence in the constituency with a population of 30 per cent. This is the backbone of Laloo’s support. The Rajputs constitute 20 per cent of the population and the dalits have a strong contingent of 35 per cent. Laloo is sure that with the 30 per cent Yadav vote, Rabri would retain the seat without any problem.

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However, she faces tough competition. Her opponent is NDA candidate Hira Singh, who enjoys the support of the JD(U), particularly Ram Vilas Paswan. He is capable of bringing together the dalits and upper-caste Rajputs. If that happens, Rabri Devi will have problems. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leadership will also leave no stone unturned to ensure the victory of its candidate. It also apparently sees this as the right time to oust Rabri Devi.

RJD’s poll managers are Rabri Devi’s brothers Sadhu Yadav and Subhas Yadav. Both are seen as quite capable of calling in musclemen and ensuring that the polls take place smoothly. The NDA is reportedly tough on this front also. With the release of Rama Singh, MLA, and strongman of the area, the contest may acquire interest. Rama Singh, who manages Paswan’s elections, is believed to be his right hand in the region. The failure of two senior RJD ministers in the last elections is attributed to his influence.