Law Kumar Mishra
Patna, May 30
Lalu Prasad’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) today threw surprise by fielding Munni Devi of Bakhtiyarpur as its candidate for the ensuing election to the Bihar Legislative Council.
Munni Devi is the symbol of simplicity but a dedicated worker of the RJD, the main opposition party in Bihar. She runs a road-side laundry, washing and ironing cloth. Munni Devi does not even carry a mobile phone.
When the Gypsy came to a screeching stop at her location today, she was rattled. “I was terribly frightened and was recalling what crime I had committed that the vehicle had come to pick her up,” she said. Munni Devi had been a vocal protester and had been in attendance in all the demonstrations and receptions staged by the party, recalled a party leader, adding that she never missed to attend the welcome processions of Lalu Prasad in Patna.
Recently, she had staged a vehement protest when the Central Bureau of Investigating raided the premises of Lalu’s bungalow.
The Gypsy drove her to 10, Circular Road—the residence of Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, Yadav and Rabri Devi. She was handed over papers to file nominations as RJD candidate for Bihar legislative Council from the assembly constituency for which elections are scheduled on June 20.
“When I met ‘mother Rabri Devi’, she told me about the party’s decision to make me an MLC; I could not believe it,” Munni Devi said.
Lalu’s elder son Tejpratap said Munni was like her elder sister and always participated in the party programmes as a member of the shouting brigade. He said now Munni would stay with him and not at her Bakhtiyarpur village.
RJD has fielded Yuva RJD President Karri Saheb and a youth leader from Rohtas, Ashok Kumar Pandey as other candidates.
