Once again a big controversy has arisen in Bihar politics regarding security. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi have returned the security arrangements given by the government. This decision has been taken after the Bihar government withdrew the ‘Z+’ category security given earlier to these two leaders. According to the government, the decision was taken after a review of the VIP security arrangements in the state, in which the security categories of several leaders were re-evaluated. As a result, ‘Z+’ security of Lalu Yadav and Rabri Devi was withdrawn and the responsibility of their security was handed over to Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP).
**RJD workers are on guard**
However, the RJD leadership expressed displeasure over this change in security. According to reports, Lalu Yadav and Rabri Devi refused to accept the new security arrangements and sent back the security personnel deployed at their residence. Later, RJD workers were seen guarding his house with sticks. It is noteworthy that the security arrangements of senior politicians usually include two to eight BSAP house guards, two bodyguards of Patna District Force, a pilot vehicle and a bulletproof car. After Lalu and Rabri Devi’s security was withdrawn, their son and leader of opposition in Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav also got his ‘Y’ category security withdrawn. Meanwhile, the ‘Y’ category security given to Lalu Yadav’s elder son Tej Pratap was also withdrawn. RJD claims that the security of leaders of other parties can also be withdrawn.
**Rohini Acharya’s allegations**
Lalu Yadav and Rabri Devi’s daughter, Rohini Acharya, alleged that the decision to remove the security was taken with the intention of harming her and her family. He wrote on social media that after such a huge cut, there is no point in keeping security just for show; Therefore, Rabri Devi decided to send back the security personnel from her official residence. In another post, Rohini Acharya appealed to RJD supporters to gather outside the residence at 10, Circular Road and send a clear, direct and strong message that they are the true protectors and shields of the Yadav family. He further said that the entire country and the first woman Chief Minister of the state of Bihar and her family are being harassed, and stressed that the people of Bihar will give a befitting reply to any vindictive action taken.
**Rabri Devi refused to vacate the bungalow**
Recently, authorities had asked Rabri Devi – who was chief minister from 1997 to 2005 – to vacate the government bungalow at 10, Circular Road. Rabri Devi, who was on leave when the order was issued, had flatly refused to vacate the house. After returning from Delhi, he told the media at Patna airport that Samrat Chaudhary seemed very excited to become the Chief Minister. She said that if the government led by the Emperor wants, they can evict them by force, but they will not vacate the house on their own free will.