In a move that intensifies the political tussle over government accommodations in Bihar, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has raised serious questions about several National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders occupying bungalows in Patna. This comes amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the vacation of 10, Circular Road bungalow where RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and his wife Rabri Devi resided.
RJD's Formal Complaint to Building Department
The opposition party has formally written to the state's Building Construction Department (BCD), seeking a clear explanation for the continued occupation of these properties. In the letter addressed to the BCD secretary, RJD's national spokesperson Nawal Kishore Yadav highlighted specific cases of alleged irregular allotments.
The letter points out that bungalows in Patna were allotted to JD(U) leaders Devesh Chandra Thakur and Sanjay Kumar Jha from the Bihar central pool when they held state positions. Thakur was the Chairperson of the Vidhan Parishad, while Jha was a state cabinet minister at the time of allotment.
Questions Over Entitlement and Dual Residences
The RJD spokesperson also raised the issue of a Patna bungalow allotted to Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi. The party has asked the department to clarify if the bungalow was given to Manjhi's daughter-in-law and whether she was legally entitled to such government accommodation.
Yadav emphasized that both Thakur and Jha are now Members of Parliament. Devesh Chandra Thakur is an MP from Sitamarhi, and Sanjay Kumar Jha is a Rajya Sabha member. Crucially, both have been allotted official residences in New Delhi as well.
"Are they paying 10 times for these bungalows? Why do they have so much attachment to these bungalows? Is there any treasure hidden?" questioned Yadav in the letter, alleging that the MPs have used their power to illegally occupy the state properties.
Demand for Action and Transparency
The RJD has demanded that the BCD provide a detailed explanation on the matter. The party specifically wants to know:
- The dates by which these bungalows will be vacated.
- The amount of rent that will be charged from the occupants for their stay.
- A clarification on the rules under which these allotments were made and continue.
Reacting to the development, BCD secretary Kumar Ravi stated that the department would respond once the letter is received and assured that any action would be taken strictly in accordance with the existing rules and regulations.
This exchange marks a new front in the political battle over government accommodations in Bihar, with the RJD turning the spotlight on its rivals even as it faces pressure to vacate its own allotted bungalow in the state capital.
