Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Rabri Devi Becomes Bihar's First Woman Chief Minister Amidst Fodder Scam
Imagine a mom of nine kids who mostly stayed home and took care of her family.
Suddenly, her husband, who was the leader of their state (Bihar, India), had to stop because of some trouble with money.
He chose his wife, Rabri Devi, to take his place as the leader, even though she didn't know much about government.
When she gave her first speech, it was very short because she was still learning.
Many people thought she was just a puppet for her husband because she often said she would do what he told her.
Some called her names like 'rubber stamp' because she wasn't very experienced.
However, for many women in the state who also came from simple backgrounds, her becoming the leader showed that anyone could reach a high position.
Even though people doubted her, she managed to stay as the leader for a long time and proved them wrong.
Rabri Devi, a housewife with nine children and limited political experience, became Bihar's first woman Chief Minister in July 1997.
She was appointed by her husband, Lalu Prasad Yadav, after he resigned due to his arrest in the multi-crore fodder scam.
Rabri Devi's initial tenure was marked by her dependence on aides and husband for political guidance, leading critics to label her a 'rubber stamp'.
Despite skepticism, she served as Chief Minister for approximately seven years, navigating the complex political landscape of Bihar.
Her ascent to power was seen by many rural and backward women as an inspiration, demonstrating that individuals from humble backgrounds could hold high office.
- Who
- Rabri Devi, a housewife with no prior political experience.
- What
- Became the first woman Chief Minister of Bihar, appointed by her husband Lalu Prasad Yadav after his resignation due to the fodder scam.
- When
- July 1997, and served for seven years with interruptions.
- Where
- Bihar, India
- Why
- Appointed by Lalu Prasad Yadav, who was forced to resign due to his arrest in the multi-crore fodder scam, to maintain the party's political position.
- Name
- Rabri Devi
- Term as Bihar CM
- July 1997 – March 2005 (with some interruptions)
- Predecessor
- Lalu Prasad Yadav
- Successor
- Sushil Kumar Shinde (briefly before re-appointment), then Nitish Kumar
- Political Affiliation
- Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)
- Background
- Housewife, mother of nine, limited formal education, married at 14
- Key Positions Held
- Chief Minister of Bihar (First Woman CM)
- Notable Events During Tenure
- Fodder scam investigations, political maneuvering, establishing a political legacy.
Sources
Bihar Chief Ministers | Ram Sundar Das, moderate figure brought on amid OBC quota backlash
Bihar Chief Ministers | Chandrashekhar Singh: Returned Congress to govt, sidelined by leadership
Bihar Chief Ministers | Bindeshwari Dubey: Trade union leader who became CM in turbulent years
