Patna: In a significant move amid the ongoing dispute over the official residence at 10 Circular Road, the Bihar government has withdrawn the Z-Plus security cover provided to RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi.
Under the revised security arrangement, both leaders will now receive a special security cover from the Bihar Police, including an escort vehicle, bulletproof car, pilot vehicle, and between eight and sixteen security personnel.
The government has also withdrawn the Y-category security cover of Lalu Prasad’s elder son, Tej Pratap Yadav, who will now be provided only a single bodyguard.
No Change in Security for Tejashwi Yadav
The security arrangements for Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, his wife Rajshree Yadav, and RJD MP Misa Bharti remain unchanged.
Tejashwi Yadav will continue to receive Y-Plus category security, including an escort team, house guards from the Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP), bodyguards from the Patna district police, and escort personnel.
Misa Bharti will continue to be provided three bodyguards, while Rajshree Yadav will retain a female bodyguard.
Revised Security Arrangements
According to the new security protocol, Lalu Prasad Yadav will be provided house guards from BSAP, two bodyguards from the Patna district police, a pilot vehicle, a bulletproof car, and an escort team.
Rabri Devi’s security cover will include house guards, three female bodyguards, three uniformed bodyguards, a pilot vehicle, a bulletproof car, and an escort team. Officials indicated that her security deployment will be larger than that of Lalu Prasad Yadav.
Fresh Ultimatum to Vacate 10 Circular Road Residence
The security changes come amid an escalating standoff between the state government and the Lalu family over the official residence at 10 Circular Road in Patna, popularly known as the Rabri Residence.
The Bihar government has issued a fresh notice directing the family to vacate the bungalow within 15 days. An earlier order was issued on May 29, but the residence has not yet been vacated.
The bungalow currently houses former Chief Ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi, along with Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav.
The Building Construction Department has also issued notices to several former legislators who no longer hold eligibility for government accommodation.
Alternative Accommodation Already Allotted
According to the Building Construction Department, Rabri Devi was allotted a government residence at 39 Harding Road under an order issued on November 25, 2025, in her capacity as Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council.
Officials stated that despite repeated requests over the past six months, the family has not shifted to the newly allotted residence and continues to occupy the 10 Circular Road bungalow.
The Lalu family has been residing at the property since 2005.
Rabri Devi Refuses to Vacate Residence
Rabri Devi has publicly rejected the government’s directive and vowed not to vacate the residence.
Responding to the notice after returning to Patna from Delhi, the former Chief Minister said she would not leave the bungalow under any circumstances.
“If the government wants, it can bring police forces and remove us forcibly. We will not leave on our own,” she said.
The government has already allotted the 10 Circular Road residence to Fisheries and Animal Resources Minister Nand Kishore Ram.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary Responds
Reacting to Rabri Devi’s remarks, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said government accommodation is not anyone’s personal property and must be vacated as per rules.
“No one can stop the government from reclaiming an official residence. Government bungalows are not anyone’s inheritance,” the Chief Minister said.
He added that public representatives should not become attached to official residences and noted that he had lived in several different government accommodations during his political career.
“When I moved into the Chief Minister’s residence, I said it should be known as the residence of a public servant. Such properties do not belong to any individual,” Choudhary said.
