Smt. Vijaylakshmi Devi: A New Era for Siwan in Parliament

Smt. Vijaylakshmi Devi, also known as Vijaylakshmi Kushwaha, represents a new chapter in Siwan’s political history as the current Member of Parliament (MP) from the Siwan Lok Sabha constituency in Bihar. Elected in June 2024 as a Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) candidate, her victory marks a significant transition from the era of muscle politics and dynastic power to a fresh vision for representation, development, and women’s leadership in the region.

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Early Life and Family Background

Vijaylakshmi Devi was born on 17 May 1963 and is native to Baraso village, Mairwa block in Siwan district. She belongs to the Koeri caste, a prominent agricultural community in Bihar. Her entry into politics was supported by her husband, Ramesh Singh Kushwaha, a former legislator and experienced political strategist who had previously represented Ziradei Assembly constituency and worked with multiple parties, including Janata Dal (United) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha.

Her son, Kunal Singh Kushwaha, has been involved in business, while the family runs “Kunal Constructions,” a company in which Vijaylakshmi is a partner. Her strong family and community connections provided the base for her successful foray into national politics.

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Political Journey: Breaking New Ground

The 2024 Lok Sabha Elections

Vijaylakshmi Devi’s candidacy emerged when JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar strategically replaced sitting MP Kavita Singh with Vijaylakshmi for the Siwan seat, inducting both her and her husband back into the party from Rashtriya Lok Morcha. The move came amid speculation and intra-party competition, especially since Siwan had long been considered a stronghold of Mohammad Shahabuddin and later his wife, Hena Shahab. In fact, the 2024 contest saw a triangular battle between Vijaylakshmi Devi (JD(U)), Awadh Bihari Choudhary (RJD), and Hena Shahab (Independent, formerly RJD).

Despite earlier predictions of split votes among Forward Castes and strong competition from Shahabuddin family loyalists, several local leaders including ex-MP Kavita Singh and her spouse Ajay Singh declared open support for Vijaylakshmi Devi, cementing the unity of JD(U) camp.

Victory and Voter Support

In the final count, Vijaylakshmi Devi won with a resounding mandate—garnering 386,508 votes, i.e., 38.73% vote share. Hena Shahab secured 293,651 votes, and Awadh Bihari Choudhary came third with 198,823 votes. The scale of victory highlighted voters’ aspiration for change and non-controversial leadership after decades of notoriety linked with previous MPs.

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Asset Disclosure and Personal Profile

Vijaylakshmi Devi is literate and has declared assets totaling ₹4.4 crore—comprised of ₹1.8 crore in movable assets and ₹2.6 crore in immovable property. She reported a modest liability of ₹3.6 lakh and an annual income of ₹12.8 lakh in her 2024 election affidavit. Importantly, she declared zero criminal cases against her, a marked departure from the legacy of criminal allegations once common in Siwan’s politics.

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Parliamentary Performance

Since her election, Smt. Vijaylakshmi Devi has made her mark in Parliament with a 99% attendance record, participating in 13.4 debates and asking 46 formal questions in her first year, according to PRS India. Her engagement on the floor of the Lok Sabha demonstrates a serious approach to representation, and she has emphasized rural development, women’s safety, education, and infrastructure in her interventions.

She has leveraged her experience as a businesswoman to push for local industry and employment programs in Siwan, while remaining closely connected to grassroots organizations and social welfare initiatives.

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Community and Caste Politics

Vijaylakshmi Devi’s identity as a Koeri leader and woman has helped her transcend many barriers in North Bihar’s complex caste equations. Her election is significant for JD(U) and the coalition led by Nitish Kumar; she is both a loyal party worker and a symbol of inclusive social engineering—bridging the rural, agrarian base with urban aspirations and gender empowerment.

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Challenges Faced

Taking over from the era of Shahabuddin and RJD dominance, Vijaylakshmi Devi has inherited a constituency marked by unique challenges:

• The need to heal a society divided by caste and political violence.
• Upgrading basic infrastructure—roads, bridges, water supply, and schools.
• Tackling issues of safety, especially for women and youth.
• Advancing agricultural and industrial development while protecting farmers’ interests.

She is expected to pursue a consensus-building style and work collaboratively with local representatives and administration.

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Outlook and Legacy for Siwan

While her tenure is still in its early phase, Smt. Vijaylakshmi Devi has articulated a vision for transparent governance, rural prosperity, and investment in healthcare and education. Her presence in Parliament is already noted for discipline, regular attendance, and meaningful contribution.

On social platforms and public meetings, she remains accessible and engaged, embracing her role as Siwan’s ambassador to the nation.

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Smt. Vijaylakshmi Devi, JD(U) MP from Siwan

Smt. Vijaylakshmi Devi stands as a beacon for Siwan’s new political reality—one of integrity, development-focus, and representative leadership. Her historic victory in 2024 and subsequent parliamentary record mark the dawn of a new era. As she shapes her legacy, the people of Siwan look forward to tangible changes, inclusive growth, and dignified representation on the national stage.

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Hari Shankar Yadav – Profile, Achievements & Leadership: MLA Raghunathpur (Siwan), Bihar