Bihar Bungalow Dispute Reaches Boiling Point
The political temperature in Bihar soared on Thursday as the controversy surrounding the state government's notification asking former chief minister Rabri Devi to shift to a new bungalow intensified dramatically. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders launched a strong offensive against the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) over the issue, creating a fresh flashpoint between the ruling coalition and the opposition.
BJP Leaders Issue Stern Warning
BJP leader and Union minister Giriraj Singh took a hardline stance, asserting that Rabri Devi should vacate her current residence without any further delay. In sharp comments to reporters, Singh emphasized that government bungalows cannot be treated as personal property. "They must understand that a govt bungalow is not anyone's fiefdom and vacate it soon, or the police will file another case against them," he warned.
The Union minister stressed that the rule of law prevails in Bihar, and both Lalu Prasad and Rabri must respect it. His comments reflected the growing impatience within the ruling alliance regarding the occupation of the government property.
RJD Cries Political Vendetta
The RJD responded strongly to the government's move, alleging that it represents nothing but political retaliation. In a late-night social media post, the party claimed it was being systematically punished for opposing BJP policies at the national level. The opposition party accused the ruling coalition of specifically targeting them for their dissent and opposition activities.
The BJP immediately rejected these allegations, maintaining that the bungalow constitutes government property and must be vacated in accordance with established rules. The party warned that legal proceedings would inevitably follow if the procedures were not complied with voluntarily.
Background of the Bungalow Allocation
The current confrontation intensified after the building construction department officially allotted House No-39 on Hardinge Road to Rabri Devi on November 25. The former chief minister and her family have resided at 10, Circular Road for nearly two decades, with their current residence located in close proximity to the chief minister's official home.
The newly assigned bungalow sits approximately 1.5 kilometers away from their current address, raising questions about the timing and necessity of the relocation.
Legal and Political Dimensions
JD(U) national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad entered the fray by stating unequivocally that no individual stands above the law. "We fail to understand why the RJD people have so much fascination for bungalows," he remarked, highlighting what he perceived as unreasonable attachment to government accommodations.
Prasad pointed to a significant legal precedent, noting that a 2019 Patna High Court judgment explicitly prohibits the allotment of bungalows to former chief ministers. He also mentioned that Rabri Devi currently serves as the Leader of Opposition in the legislative council, which might entitle her to different accommodation privileges.
The standoff reached a critical juncture on Wednesday when RJD state president Mangani Lal Mandal declared defiantly that Rabri would not vacate the bungalow under any circumstances. "Jo kuchh karna hoga, kiya jayega lekin khali nahin kiya jayega... jo karna ho kare," he stated, essentially challenging the government to take whatever action it deemed appropriate while making clear their refusal to comply.
The bungalow controversy has now evolved into a significant political battlefield in Bihar, testing the resolve of both the ruling government and the opposition. With neither side showing signs of backing down, the situation appears headed for a prolonged confrontation that could have wider implications for Bihar's political landscape.
