Pioneering Women in Bihar Politics: Bhagirathi Devi, Munni Devi, and Bhagwati Devi
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Synopsis
Three influential women leaders in Bihar politics have risen from humble beginnings to champion the causes of marginalized communities. Bhagirathi Devi, Munni Devi, and Bhagwati Devi exemplify resilience and the transformative power of grassroots activism.
Key Takeaways
- Bhagirathi Devi: Advocate for Dalit rights and women empowerment.
- Munni Devi: Grassroots leader focused on education and social upliftment.
- Bhagwati Devi: MP dedicated to labor rights and gender equality.
- All three leaders illustrate the impact of perseverance and dedication in politics.
- Their journeys inspire future generations of women in leadership.
Patna, March 8 (NationPress) Three remarkable women in Bihar politics, who have left a significant impact through their unwavering dedication, resilience, and strong leadership, have risen from the lowest tiers of society to become the voices for the disenfranchised.
Their incredible journeys serve as a testament to women empowerment in India.
Bhagirathi Devi, a prominent Dalit leader from Bihar, has forged a unique identity in politics through her relentless efforts and leadership.
Emerging from modest beginnings, she has become a champion for the marginalized, particularly Dalits, Mahadalits, and women enduring social injustices.
Born into the Mahadalit (Bhangi) community, which has minimal political clout in Bihar, Bhagirathi Devi worked as a sanitation employee in the Narkatiaganj Block Office, earning Rs 800 monthly.
However, she also took up the cause of impoverished laborers and women facing domestic violence, leading to multiple arrests; yet, she never wavered in her commitment to social work.
She ventured into politics via the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which acknowledged her grassroots activism. Beginning her political journey in 1980, she was elected as an MLA from Narkatiaganj in the West Champaran district in 2000. She was re-elected in 2005 and 2010 from Narkatiaganj.
After the delimitation of seats, she won elections in 2015 and 2020 from the Ramnagar Assembly constituency. In 2022, she took a bold stand by resigning from the BJP. Bhagirathi Devi holds the distinction of being the first and only MLA from the Bhangi community in Bihar.
She triumphed over political stalwart Purnamasi Ram in 2015, even when Nitish Kumar was associated with the Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan).
A passionate advocate for Mahadalit women, Bhagirathi Devi faced her first arrest in 1991 while protesting under the Mahila Morcha banner. She was also detained in Samastipur during the late veteran BJP leader L.K. Advani's Rath Yatra movement. Due to her extensive contributions, Bhagirathi Devi was honored with the Padma Shri in 2019.
Her candid, Bhojpuri-speaking demeanor resonates with the common populace. She even appeared in the Bhojpuri film 'Pyaar Mohabbat Zindabad', directed by Vinay Bihari, motivating countless women and Dalits to pursue political paths.
Despite encountering opposition within her own party and personal struggles, Bhagirathi Devi continues to symbolize resilience and empowerment in Bihar politics.
Munni Devi, an MLC from the Rashtriya Janata Dal, is another notable figure in Bihar's political arena who emerged from grassroots origins. Bihar politics has witnessed the ascent of several extraordinary women leaders from humble backgrounds, demonstrating that commitment and perseverance can dismantle all barriers.
She is one among those who battled against poverty, discrimination, and social inequalities to carve a niche in Bihar's political domain.
Munni Devi, a washerwoman from Bakhtiyarpur in the Patna district, belongs to the Rajak community.
Before entering politics, she worked as a washerwoman in Patna, harboring a keen interest in social issues and women’s rights from an early age.
Lalu Prasad Yadav recognized her grassroots activism and nominated her as an RJD candidate for MLC in 2022. Even after becoming an MLC, she continued her work as a washerwoman, underscoring her deep ties to her roots.
She used a mobile phone for the first time after being elected MLC, showcasing her modest background. Her humility and dedication earned her respect across political lines.
"I dedicated my political career to raising the voice of marginalized women for education, social upliftment, and economic stability," said Munni Devi.
Bhagwati Devi, a stone-breaker hailing from Gaya district, became an MP after starting her career as a stone-breaker to support her family in the Naxal-affected Barachatti area.
From the outset, she advocated for labor rights and gender equality, inspiring many within her community. Influenced by socialist leaders Upendra Nath Verma and Ram Manohar Lohia, they recognized her leadership potential and encouraged her to enter politics.
She contested the Barachatti Assembly constituency in Gaya district in 1969 on a United Socialist Party ticket and won.
Although she lost the Assembly election in 1972, she made a comeback as an MLA in 1977. After a brief hiatus from politics in 1980, Lalu Prasad Yadav revived her political career in 1995, leading her to win the Lok Sabha seat from Gaya in 1996.
Despite her status as an MP, Bhagwati Devi remained closely connected to the impoverished, leading a simple life and becoming an inspiration for Dalit women and marginalized laborers throughout Bihar.
She epitomized authentic grassroots leadership, advocating for workers' rights and education.
Bhagirathi Devi, Munni Devi, and Bhagwati Devi exemplify resilience, bravery, and the power of grassroots leadership. Their journeys illustrate that social change initiates from the grassroots level, and with determination, anyone can ascend to power and effect meaningful change in society.
