Patna: The Bihar government has restored Z category security to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president Lalu Prasad Yadav and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, reversing an earlier decision that had triggered a political controversy.
A notification issued by the state government on Friday evening confirmed that both leaders will once again receive Z category security along with a bulletproof vehicle.
The restoration comes nearly a month after the Bihar government reviewed the security cover of several VVIPs and downgraded the security provided to Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi. The move sparked sharp criticism from the RJD, which alleged that the decision was politically motivated.
Following the downgrade, Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi refused to accept the revised security arrangement offered by the state government.
Security Personnel Sent Back
Expressing their displeasure over the reduction in security, the RJD leaders returned the government security personnel deployed at the official residence at 10 Circular Road.
Subsequently, Rajya Sabha MP Misa Bharti and Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav also declined the security personnel assigned to them.
The RJD had accused the state government of deliberately reducing the security cover of key Opposition leaders for political reasons.
Security Downgrade Coincided with Residence Dispute
The controversy unfolded amid an ongoing dispute over the official residence previously occupied by Rabri Devi.
The Samrat Choudhary-led Bihar government had earlier issued a notice directing the family to vacate the official bungalow at 10 Circular Road. As the housing dispute escalated, the government withdrew the Z category security that had included Bihar Police’s special security arrangement, escort vehicles, a bulletproof car, and between eight and 16 security personnel.
The government had also withdrawn the Y category security cover provided to Tej Pratap Yadav, son of Lalu Prasad Yadav and national president of the Jan Shakti Janata Dal (JJD).
Official Residence Notice
On May 29, the state government issued an order asking the family to vacate the official residence. As the bungalow was not vacated, the government later issued a fresh notice granting a final 15-day deadline.
The 10 Circular Road residence had been occupied by former Chief Ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi, along with Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav. However, Tejashwi Yadav has since shifted to 1 Polo Road, while Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi have moved to their private residence in Kautilya Nagar.
The restoration of Z category security marks a significant reversal by the Bihar government after weeks of political controversy surrounding the security downgrade and the official residence dispute.
