Patna, April 10: The RJD boss, Lalu Prasad, has done just what his political adversaries wished him to. In nominating wife and former rubber-stamp chief minister Rabri Devi for the Legislative Council, he has raised a spectre that still haunts most of Bihar: the spectre of the lawless and development-barren Lalu-Rabri raj.
It is tested political wisdom in Bihar that the faintest prospect of the return of the Lalu years helps his opponents consolidate opinion, and votes; Rabri’s nomination will serve as a reminder to popular consciousness that Lalu has not changed his ways, successive defeats notwithstanding.
“This is a classic case of suicide,” chortled Shivanand Tiwari, the spokesman of the ruling JD(U). “Lalu Prasad did not need to do more damage to himself and his party but by naming Rabri Devi for the Council he has achieved just that. The move speaks not merely of his political bankruptcy but also of the fact that he is determined to foist parivaarvaad (family rule) on his party.”
Rabri, who lost both the seats she contested in the 2010 Assembly elections — Raghopur and Sonepur — had since retreated to minding home and family and spends most of her time in Delhi, barely ever offering evidence she was once the chief minister of a major state. Through her five years as the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, she seldom intervened in debates on the floor or displayed any taste for politics.
But power and its trappings could be quite another matter. When she gets elected, she is sure to assume leadership of the Opposition in Bihar's upper house and be accorded the status perks that come with the job, something the RJD’s power couple has missed since the Nitish Kumar wave threw off their toehold in the 2010 polls.
As former chief ministers, Lalu and Rabri continue to enjoy the comforts of a palatial bungalow in west Patna’s VVIP district, but they lack the bustle of extant power and its many spoils. Rabri’s installation as the Leader of the Opposition in the Council will probably bring back the darbar, however frayed and faded, to their doorsteps.
But that will come at a cost which many believe will be steep. While Lalu’s opponents are gleeful, his own party is simmering with indignation at what many are calling the “second imposition” of Rabri. “It is clear Laluji is not bothered putting the interest of the party before family interests,” said a top RJD leader.
“Installing Rabri Devi as chief minister was a huge mistake for which we are still suffering, now he is pulling her out of his cupboard again for a job that should have gone to someone with genuine claims,” he added.
Rabri’s nomination hurts at least three RJD leaders immediately. Uday Narain Rai, who vacated the Raghopur Assembly seat so that Rabri could become an MLA after she was foisted as the chief minister in 1997, was given a Council seat at the time but his ticket is not being renewed. It has gone once again to Rabri.
Ramanuj Prasad Rai, who sacrificed the Sonepur Assembly seat so Rabri could contest a second seat in 2010, has been waiting to be compensated. His hope too was the Council seat that Rabri will now occupy.
The third, and probably the most significant loser is Ghulam Gaus, currently the Leader of the Opposition in the Council. As a result of Rabri’s entry, Gaus will be stripped of his status and perks. Irked RJD leaders don't miss pointing out that Gaus belongs among “pasmanda” (backward) Muslims, a set that has already deserted Lalu in large numbers and opted for Nitish.
“Apart from all else, the impending removal of Gous from the leadership of the Opposition will send a terrible signal to Muslims,” an RJD leader said. “Laluji knows it, but he does not seem to care.” His tone was more resigned than angered.
A couple of years ago, he had opposed the naming of the RJD’s new headquarters in Delhi “Rabri Devi Bhavan” on the grounds that it smacked of dynasticism. He seemed well aware that when it comes to Rabri, Lalu doesn’t care what the party or the world will say.
