International Women's Day 2025: Rising from the Margins—How Three Women from Bihar's Lowest Strata Redefined Political Leadership?

Patna- In the heart of Bihar, three remarkable women have emerged as powerful voices for the marginalized, breaking barriers and redefining political leadership through their unwavering commitment to social justice. Bhagirathi Devi, Munni Devi, and Bhagwati Devi—each coming from society's most disadvantaged communities—have transformed their personal struggles into platforms for advocacy, becoming living embodiments of women's empowerment in Indian politics.

Bhagirathi Devi's journey from sanitation worker to influential political figure exemplifies this transformation. Born into the Mahadalit (Bhangi) community, a group with minimal political representation in Bihar, she initially earned just Rs 800 monthly at the Narkatiaganj Block Office. Her activism for laborers and women facing domestic violence frequently led to her arrest, but these obstacles only strengthened her resolve. After joining the BJP in 1980, she won her first election in 2000 from Narkatiaganj constituency in West Champaran, securing re-election in 2005 and 2010. Following constituency redistricting, she represented Ramnagar in 2015 and 2020, even defeating political heavyweight Purnamasi Ram during Nitish Kumar's Grand Alliance period. Her grassroots advocacy earned her the prestigious Padma Shri in 2019, and her straightforward, Bhojpuri-speaking style has resonated deeply with constituents, inspiring countless Dalits and women to enter politics.

Another inspiring figure, Munni Devi, rose from working as a washerwoman in Bakhtiyarpur to becoming an MLC for the Rashtriya Janata Dal. Coming from the Rajak community, her passionate advocacy for social issues and women's rights caught Lalu Prasad Yadav's attention, leading to her candidacy in 2022. Remarkably, even after her political elevation, she continued her work as a washerwoman, maintaining her connection to her roots. Her first use of a mobile phone came only after becoming an MLC, highlighting her humble background. Through her political platform, she has dedicated herself to advocating for marginalized women, focusing on education, social advancement, and economic stability.

Perhaps the most extraordinary transformation belongs to Bhagwati Devi, who went from breaking stones in Gaya district to serving in Parliament. Supporting her family through manual labor in the Naxal-affected Barachatti area, she became a vocal advocate for labor rights and gender equality. Influenced by socialist leaders Upendra Nath Verma and Ram Manohar Lohia, she entered politics and won the Barachatti Assembly seat in 1969. Though her political journey saw setbacks, with losses in 1972 and 1980, Lalu Prasad Yadav revitalized her career in 1995. By 1996, she had secured the Lok Sabha seat from Gaya, entering Parliament while maintaining her simple lifestyle and deep connection to the poor.

These three women—Bhagirathi Devi, Munni Devi, and Bhagwati Devi—stand as powerful symbols of resilience and grassroots leadership in Bihar politics. Their journeys demonstrate that meaningful social change often begins at society's lowest levels, and with determination, even those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds can rise to positions of influence and create lasting impact. Through their unyielding advocacy for the downtrodden, they have not only transformed their own lives but have paved the way for future generations of women leaders from marginalized communities.