Political Storm Over a Bungalow: Lalu Prasad's Reluctance to Move
The political landscape of Patna is witnessing an unusual controversy as RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and his wife Rabri Devi, both former chief ministers of Bihar, are refusing to shift to a new government bungalow despite being officially allotted the property five days ago. The family continues to reside at their current address at 10 Circular Road, which has been their home for the past two decades.
The new bungalow at 39 Hardinge Road offers three times more space than their current residence and comes equipped with numerous modern amenities. Located conveniently close to the state assembly building, the property should ideally be an upgrade for the leader of opposition in Bihar legislative council. However, the Lalu family remains firmly opposed to the move.
The 'Jinxed House' Reputation That Haunts 39 Hardinge Road
Sources close to the family reveal that their reluctance stems from the property's notorious reputation as a 'jinxed house' where previous occupants faced severe political setbacks. Political circles in Patna have documented at least four ministers who experienced dramatic downfalls after moving into this particular bungalow.
Former ministers who occupied this address include Chandra Mohan Rai, Vinod Narayan Jha, Ram Surat Rai, Madan Mohan Jha, and Shamim Ahmad. All of them were removed from their ministerial positions and never returned to power after their stay at 39 Hardinge Road.
Congress MLC Madan Mohan Jha disclosed an intriguing detail about the property. "I was allotted this bungalow but never shifted there. Instead, I used it as my office," Jha revealed. He further mentioned discovering a 'mazar' (tomb) within the campus and even arranged for its renovation and regular prayers.
Former BJP minister Chandra Mohan Rai, who was denied a party ticket in recent assembly polls, shared his bitter memories associated with the property. "Can't say it is a jinxed bungalow, but it is also a fact that many ministers who stayed there faced abrupt removal from their post," Rai told media sources.
Emotional Attachment to 10 Circular Road
The existing bungalow at 10 Circular Road holds significant emotional and political value for the Lalu family. Party insiders describe it as RJD's 'power center' comparable to 10 Janpath, the official residence of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi.
This bungalow witnessed the launch of both Lalu's sons into politics. Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav both became ministers twice in previous Grand Alliance governments, with Tejashwi serving as deputy chief minister before Nitish Kumar returned to the NDA fold.
A political expert explained the property's significance: "The bungalow remained the centre for ticket distribution, meetings, strategy planning, and media briefings. All of Lalu's children who are active in politics started their political journey from this very bungalow."
The family's emotional attachment is further strengthened by recent political developments. Both of Lalu's sons suffered significant setbacks in the recently held assembly elections. Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, who was named the INDIA bloc's chief ministerial face, experienced a severe poll disaster with his alliance winning only 35 seats. His elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav faced a humiliating defeat from the Mahua seat.
Political Reactions and Government Stand
RJD leaders have reacted sharply to the government's move. Former minister Abdul Bari Siddiqui argued that both Lalu and Rabri Devi deserve respect for their service as chief ministers of Bihar. "The family deserves respect," Siddiqui stated, questioning why no bungalow was earmarked for the leader of opposition in the state council for the past 20 years.
Despite the government's allocation of the new property, the Lalu family shows no signs of relenting. An RJD leader close to the family commented: "Lalu has always taken special care of his children and he just doesn't want to let any further political trouble grip them. They may not shift to the new bungalow."
The illuminated big lanterns fitted at the main gate of 10 Circular Road continue to shine as the family resists what they perceive as an unlucky relocation, creating an unexpected political storm in Bihar over a government accommodation.
