In a fresh escalation of the bungalow allotment controversy in Bihar, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tej Pratap Yadav has demanded that eviction notices be served not only to his mother and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi but also to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi. The demand comes after the state government allotted the bungalow at 10 Circular Road, currently occupied by Rabri Devi and her family, to Dairy and Fisheries Minister Nand Kishor Ram.
Background of the controversy
The bungalow at 10 Circular Road has been a subject of political dispute for weeks. Rabri Devi, a former Chief Minister, has been residing there with her family. However, the Nitish Kumar-led government recently reassigned the property to Nand Kishor Ram, a Dalit leader who had been allotted 21 Harding Road just a couple of weeks earlier. This move has sparked strong reactions from the RJD, which accuses the government of targeting Rabri Devi.
Tej Pratap's counter-demand
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Tej Pratap Yadav, the eldest son of Rabri Devi and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, argued that if the government is evicting his mother, it should also take action against other leaders occupying government bungalows. He specifically named Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, claiming they too are occupying bungalows that could be allotted to others. “If the government is serious about following rules, let them serve eviction notices to Nitish Kumar and Jitan Ram Manjhi as well. Why only target my mother?” he said.
Tej Pratap also questioned the timing of the allotment, alleging that it was a politically motivated move to embarrass the RJD ahead of the upcoming elections. He asserted that his mother had every right to occupy the bungalow as a former Chief Minister.
Government's stance
State government officials have defended the allotment, stating that it was done as per rules and that Rabri Devi has been asked to vacate the premises. They clarified that Nand Kishor Ram, being a minister, is entitled to a government bungalow and that the allotment was made after due process. The government has not yet responded to Tej Pratap's demand for eviction notices against Nitish Kumar and Jitan Ram Manjhi.
Political implications
The bungalow row has added fuel to the already tense political atmosphere in Bihar. The RJD has been accusing the ruling coalition of targeting its leaders, while the government maintains that it is merely enforcing rules. With elections around the corner, the issue is likely to be a key talking point for both sides. Tej Pratap's demand for equal treatment could resonate with some voters, but it remains to be seen whether the government will take any action against its own leaders.
The controversy also highlights the ongoing tussle over government accommodations in Patna, where several politicians have been occupying bungalows for years beyond their tenure. The state government has promised a review of all allotments, but political considerations often delay such exercises.
