Significant political developments are unfolding in Patna as Rabri Devi, the leader of opposition in Bihar legislative council, faces mounting pressure to vacate her official residence at 10, Circular Road after occupying it for an impressive 20 years. The veteran politician and her husband, former chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, are now making alternative arrangements that could see them moving to their privately owned property currently under construction.
Lalu Prasad's Urgent Inspection Visit
On Saturday, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad made a sudden visit to the Mahuabagh locality in Danapur to personally inspect the ongoing construction work of their family home. Accompanied by his security personnel, the former chief minister assessed the progress and reportedly instructed the builders to expedite the construction process.
According to informed sources close to the development, the Lalu family has specifically requested the construction team to accelerate work and complete the house at the earliest possible date. This urgent push comes at a crucial time when the state building construction department has issued formal orders for Rabri Devi to relocate from her current residence.
Government's Reallocation Order
The building construction department issued an official order on November 25 that significantly alters the housing arrangement for the opposition leader. The order, signed by joint secretary-cum-estate officer Shiv Ranjan, allocated Rabri Devi the bungalow at 39, Hardinge Road, which is approximately 1.5 kilometers from her existing residence.
The government notification clearly stated that this new property has been specifically earmarked for the leader of opposition in the legislative council. However, this reassignment has sparked controversy and drawn strong reactions from the Lalu family and their associates.
Political Implications and Family's Response
A senior aide close to the RJD chief revealed that there's a strong possibility the family will opt to move into their Danapur home once completed, rather than shifting to the newly allotted government bungalow. This decision appears to be influenced by what the family perceives as an attempt to humiliate the former chief minister couple.
The close associate questioned the government's rationale behind the reassignment, emphasizing the couple's long-standing connection to their current residence. "If the government is so keen to allot a new house to the leader of opposition in the legislative council, why doesn't it earmark the existing 10, Circular Road bungalow for them instead of 39, Hardinge Road?" the aide questioned during discussions with media sources.
The family's representative further emphasized the need for political decency, pointing out that both Rabri Devi and Lalu Prasad have served as chief ministers of Bihar and deserve appropriate respect for their contributions to the state's political landscape. The aide stressed that the couple's 20-year residence at the Circular Road address should be acknowledged with dignity in any transition process.
This housing controversy comes at a sensitive time in Bihar politics and highlights the ongoing tensions between the ruling government and opposition parties. The final decision about whether the family moves to the government-allotted bungalow or their private Danapur residence remains pending, dependent on the construction timeline and further political developments.
