Lalu, Rabri reject Y-category security (Img: Internet)
Patna: A fresh political controversy has erupted in Bihar after former chief ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi refused to accept the revised Y-category security cover provided by the state government following the withdrawal of their Z-plus protection.
The decision has intensified tensions between the BJP-led NDA government and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), with party workers stepping in to guard the family residence in Patna.
The Bihar government recently revised the security arrangements of several VIPs, including Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav.
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Under the new arrangement, Bihar Special Armed Police personnel were deployed at the family’s residence at 10, Circular Road in Patna. However, the security personnel were reportedly turned away after the family declined to accept the downgraded cover. Tejashwi Yadav also refused the Y-category security assigned to him.
Soon after the official security was rejected, several RJD workers gathered outside the residence and positioned themselves as informal guards. Visuals from the area showed party workers carrying sticks while standing outside the bungalow.
RJD spokesperson Shakti Yadav claimed the party leadership had “returned” the security cover provided by the NDA government. He alleged that the government was repeatedly insulting senior RJD leaders through decisions related to security and accommodation. According to him, RJD workers would ensure the safety of their leaders themselves.
The issue has triggered sharp political reactions across Bihar. The RJD accused the ruling alliance of undermining democratic values and deliberately targeting opposition leaders.
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The controversy comes amid another dispute involving the 10, Circular Road residence, which the Bihar government has reportedly asked Rabri Devi to vacate after allotting it to minister Nand Kishore Ram.
Leaders from the BJP and JD(U) defended the government’s move, stating that security categories are decided based on threat perception assessments.
Bihar BJP president Sanjay Saraogi said Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi were receiving the security entitled to former chief ministers and questioned the opposition’s objections.
JD(U) spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad also maintained that the state government’s decision should be respected, adding that no individual is exempt from the standard review process for security arrangements.
