Whenever Lalu Yadav finds himself in trouble, he looks at his family, not the trusted lieutenants, who have been with through the thick and thin. Now, as he has to spend five years in jail after the conviction in the Rs 950 crore fodder scam, Lalu has passed the baton to his wife Rabri Devi.

Politics is not new for Rabri, as she was the Chief Minister of Bihar when Lalu was in problems last time. She will lead the party now with the help of his sons Tejaswi and Tejpratap and most probably the addition of eldest daughter Misa Bharti to the Core Group.

The decision to anoint Rabri Devi, was taken a crucial meeting of RJD MPs, MLAs, MLCs and other senior leaders. The meeting was held at Rabri Devi’s residence.

It is not immediately known whether Rabri will fight the Lok Sabha polls or not. Although she has ruled this out, sources say that she might contest from Chhapra. If not, then either Tejaswi or Misa Bharti may take the plunge.