Fifth-time MLA, BJP’s Renu Devi takes over as one of the two deputy CM’s of Bihar

Renu Devi, a fifth time MLA, was one of the two BJP leaders sworn in as deputy chief ministers of Bihar on Monday. Nitish Kumar-led NDA government took charge today after defeating the Congress and RJD-led grand alliance.

Renu Devi, an MLA from Bettiah, was elected to Bihar Assembly for the first time in 2000, and since then has lost the seat only once to Madan Mohan Tiwari of Congress in 2015. She lost the election by around 2000 votes.

Devi belongs to Nonia caste in Extreme Backward Castes category. It is believed that with her selection BJP is trying to compete with its partner JD(U) for the EBC’s support base. Devi, whose mother had close links with the RSS, has held several important posts in BJP’s Mahila Morcha.

After emerging as the senior partner in the alliance after winning 74 seats to JD(U)’s 43 seats, the Bharatiya Janata Party had bargained for two deputy chief minister posts in place of only one which was held by Sushil Kumar Modi in the previous Nitish Kumar term.

Renu Devi was elected deputy leader of BJP legislative party on Sunday. The leader of the party in assembly is Tar Kishore Prasad– the other deputy CM.