Rabri Devi files nomination papers for upcoming Bihar Assembly polls

BIHAR: Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi filed her nomination papers here on Saturday for the upcoming Assembly elections in the State.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief and husband Lalu Prasad Yadav accompanied her to the office of the Sub Divisional Officer, where she completed the nomination formalities as the RJD candidate from Raghopur constituency.

Addressing the media later, Lalu said Rabri Devi would also contest from Sonepur constituency, and expressed confidence that she would win convincingly from both the seats.

"Rabri Devi has today filed her nominations from the Raghopur constituency and will later file for the Sonepur constituency. We will win from both the seats," he said.

Lalu had recently challenged Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal-United (JD-U) chief Nitish Kumar to contest the elections against Rabri Devi.

The six-phase poll for 243 seats in Bihar begins from October 21 and concludes on November 20.

The RJD will contest from 168 seats, while its alliance partner, Ramvilas Paswan's Lok Janashakti Party (LJP) will field its candidates in 68 seats.

Candidates can withdraw their nomination papers till October 18.

Counting of votes will take place on November 24.

Bihar has over 5.5 crore voters, who will exercise their franchise through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).