Vibha Devi Yadav

Many critics have questioned whether Vibha Devi is sufficiently prepared or qualified to be a lawmaker, given her lack of formal education and inability to read and understand legislative documents.^[13] Media coverage and public commentary have repeatedly argued that Vibha Devi, the illiterate wife of a former MLA with a controversial reputation as a convicted rapist, reflects the nepotistic and dynastic political practices in the state of Bihar.^[14][15]

During the opening session of the 18th Bihar Legislative Assembly, Vibha Devi struggled to read aloud the Hindi oath paper. She faltered repeatedly and even sought help from a fellow MLA, Manorama Devi, seated beside her to dictate the oath lines.^[16] Manorama Devi then enunciated the oath word by word to Vibha Devi, who still struggled to speak the words correctly. The video of this moment quickly went viral across the country and raised questions about candidate selection and public representation in Bihar.^[17][18]

Reporting after her oath fiasco also highlighted her disclosed assets of ₹31 crores, bringing public attention to her socio-economic status relative to her literacy and legislative capability.^[16]

• Nawada Assembly constituency
• Raj Ballabh Yadav
• Ashok Yadav