Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi has firmly declared she will not vacate the government bungalow in Patna that has been her residence for decades. This defiant stance comes despite receiving an eviction notice from the state administration, setting the stage for a major political confrontation.
The Eviction Notice and Rabri Devi's Response
The Bihar government's Estate Department issued a formal notice to Rabri Devi, demanding she vacate the government bungalow at 10, Circular Road in Patna. This property has served as the residence for the former chief minister and her family, including RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, for many years.
In her official response, Rabri Devi has refused to comply with the eviction order. She has cited serious security concerns as her primary reason for remaining in the government accommodation. The former chief minister argues that the current location provides necessary security infrastructure that cannot be easily replicated at alternative residences.
Legal Battle and Political Implications
The dispute over the government bungalow has escalated into a full-blown legal and political battle. Rabri Devi's refusal to vacate the property represents a significant challenge to the current state administration's authority.
Sources close to the RJD leader indicate she plans to contest the eviction notice through legal channels. Her legal team is preparing to challenge the government's order in court, arguing that the notice violates established protocols and fails to consider legitimate security requirements for former chief ministers.
The timing of this confrontation carries substantial political weight, coming amid ongoing tensions between the ruling coalition and opposition parties in Bihar. The RJD has characterized the eviction attempt as politically motivated, while government officials maintain they are simply enforcing existing rules regarding government accommodation.
Security Concerns and Historical Context
Rabri Devi's insistence on remaining in the government bungalow centers around what she describes as critical security considerations. As a former chief minister and prominent political figure, she requires substantial security arrangements that the current property already possesses.
The family has occupied this residence through multiple political transitions and administrations. Their connection to the property spans Rabri Devi's tenure as chief minister from 1997 to 2005 and continues through her husband Lalu Prasad Yadav's extensive political career.
Government sources indicate that alternative security arrangements could be made at private residences, but Rabri Devi's camp maintains that such transitions would create unacceptable security vulnerabilities during the relocation process.
The ongoing standoff reflects broader patterns of political accommodation disputes in Indian politics, where former officials often resist vacating government properties. However, this particular case has gained significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the current political climate in Bihar.
As the legal proceedings develop, all eyes remain on Patna where this dramatic confrontation between a political dynasty and state administration continues to unfold. The outcome could set important precedents for how government accommodations are managed for former chief ministers across India.
