Patna: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad and Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav have accepted the government-provided security cover after months of declining it, according to reports. The development is being seen as a significant shift in the prolonged standoff between the RJD leadership and the Bihar government.
Neither the state government nor the RJD has issued an official statement explaining the reasons behind the decision.
Security Personnel Seen With Lalu and Tejashwi
The apparent change became visible on Sunday when Tejashwi Prasad Yadav was seen travelling with government security personnel during a visit to Digha Ghat in Patna.
Later in the evening, Lalu Prasad was also seen taking a walk along JP Ganga Path (Marine Drive) accompanied by official security personnel, moving within a security cordon.
The presence of government security staff alongside both leaders marked a departure from the arrangement that had been in place over the past several months.
Background to the Dispute
The dispute over security began after the state government revised the security arrangements for members of the Lalu family following the change in government leadership.
The RJD leadership had objected to the revised arrangements and returned the government-provided security cover. During the standoff, security personnel remained stationed outside the Lalu-Rabri residence but were reportedly not permitted to enter the premises or accompany family members during their movements.
The issue remained unresolved for months, coinciding with Rabri Devi vacating the family’s official residence at 10 Circular Road.
Although the government later enhanced the family’s security arrangements, the offer was initially declined.
Political Speculation
The decision to accept the security cover has triggered speculation in Bihar’s political circles, with observers viewing it as a sign that the impasse between the Lalu family and the Samrat Choudhary-led government has eased.
No official confirmation has been issued regarding whether the decision followed fresh discussions between the two sides or was taken for security reasons.
Further details are awaited from the authorities and the RJD leadership.
