The Bihar government has withdrawn the Z-plus security cover previously provided to RJD patriarch Lalu Prasad and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi. This decision followed a comprehensive review of security arrangements for VIPs in the state, as announced through a notification issued on Thursday.
Security downgrade details
According to the notification, Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi will now receive security from the Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP), replacing the elite Z-plus cover. The Z-plus category, as explained by an official, comprises a dedicated team of trained personnel equipped with advanced arms. Additionally, the Y-category security cover provided to Tej Pratap, chief of the Janshakti Janta Dal and Lalu Prasad's elder son, has also been withdrawn.
Despite the downgrade, the two senior RJD leaders will continue to receive security support, including between two and eight BSAP house guards, two bodyguards from the Patna District Force, along with a pilot vehicle and a bulletproof car.
Security for other family members unchanged
The review has not affected all members of the RJD's first family. The Bihar government has retained the Y-plus security cover provided to Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav. Furthermore, the existing security arrangements for Rajya Sabha MP Misa Bharti, Lalu Prasad's eldest daughter, and Rajshree Yadav, wife of Tejashwi Yadav, will continue unchanged.
Context: Rabri Devi's recent remarks
This development comes days after Rabri Devi challenged Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary to remove her from the government bungalow she has occupied for over a decade. She stated that she would not vacate the premises voluntarily. The RJD leader reacted sharply when reporters questioned her about a recent order by the state's building construction department allotting the 10, Circular Road residence in Patna to Dairy and Fisheries Minister Nand Kishor Ram.
"Yes, I can see that Samrat Choudhary, who has become the chief minister only recently, is quite excited. Let him get me evicted by force. I am not going to vacate the premises," said the indignant wife of RJD president Lalu Prasad.
Rabri Devi was speaking to journalists at Patna airport after returning from Delhi, where she had travelled to celebrate her grandson's birthday. Her husband, Lalu Prasad, is understood to have left for Singapore for medical treatment. The former chief minister, who often points out that Choudhary began his political career as a minister in her government, addressed the media from inside her vehicle and appeared visibly upset during the exchange.
The bungalow controversy
The bungalow at 10, Circular Road, located close to both Raj Bhavan and the chief minister's residence, was allotted to the family during a previous Nitish Kumar-led government. Over the years, it has served not only as the residence of the RJD's first family but also as an important political hub for the opposition party. Several months ago, before Choudhary assumed office as Bihar's first BJP chief minister, the building construction department issued an order stating that the residence would henceforth be reserved for a deputy chief minister.
