Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday strongly criticized the Bihar government's decision to withdraw the security cover of former Chief Minister Rabri Devi and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav. Speaking to the media, Tejashwi asserted that his family is not afraid of such moves and that the public stands firmly with them.
Security Withdrawal Sparks Political Row
The Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, recently ordered the withdrawal of Z-plus security cover for Rabri Devi and Lalu Prasad Yadav. The decision has triggered a sharp political reaction from the RJD, which accused the ruling Janata Dal (United) of playing petty politics.
Tejashwi Yadav, the leader of opposition in the Bihar assembly, said, "We are not afraid of anything. The public is with us. This is a cheap tactic to divert attention from real issues like unemployment and inflation." He further added that the security withdrawal is a vindictive move aimed at intimidating the opposition.
Tejashwi's Strong Response
In a press conference held in Patna, Tejashwi Yadav stated, "My mother Rabri Devi and father Lalu Prasad have faced much bigger challenges. Withdrawing security will not deter us. The people of Bihar know who is working for their welfare." He also questioned the timing of the decision, suggesting it was politically motivated ahead of upcoming elections.
The RJD leader emphasized that his party would continue to raise people's issues and fight against the government's failures. "We will not be silenced. The more they try to suppress us, the stronger we will emerge," he declared.
Background of the Security Cover
Rabri Devi, a former Chief Minister of Bihar, and Lalu Prasad Yadav, a former Chief Minister and Union Minister, had been provided with Z-plus security cover for several years due to perceived threats. The security included armed commandos and escort vehicles. The withdrawal order came from the state home department without any prior warning.
Political analysts view this as a significant escalation in the ongoing rivalry between the RJD and the JD(U). The RJD has called for a statewide protest against the decision, with party workers planning to stage demonstrations in all districts.
Reactions from Other Parties
The Congress party, an ally of the RJD in the opposition alliance, also condemned the move. Congress spokesperson said, "Targeting the security of former chief ministers sets a dangerous precedent. It reflects the nervousness of the Nitish Kumar government." The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is part of the ruling coalition, defended the decision, stating that it was based on a review of threat perception.
Meanwhile, the JD(U) dismissed the allegations, with party leaders claiming that security cover is reviewed periodically and the decision was purely administrative. "There is no political motive. Security is provided based on threat assessment, and if the threat has reduced, it is natural to downgrade it," said a JD(U) spokesperson.
Public Reaction and Future Course
The public response has been mixed, with RJD supporters expressing outrage while others view it as a routine administrative matter. Tejashwi Yadav has announced that he will lead a march to the state secretariat to protest the decision. He also warned that the RJD would not let the government function smoothly if the security is not restored.
As the political drama unfolds, all eyes are on how the Bihar government responds to the growing opposition backlash. The issue is likely to dominate the political discourse in the state in the coming days.
