Patna: Speculation is growing in Patna over where Bihar’s chief minister, Nitish Kumar, will live after leaving office, with attention focused on a government bungalow at 7 Circular Road – though a court ruling may complicate any move.
The residence, located in a high-security zone of the city, has long been associated with Kumar and was reportedly constructed under his close supervision. However, a 2019 ruling by the Patna High Court has raised questions about whether a former chief minister can legally occupy a government bungalow after demitting office.
If Kumar moves to the property, he would become a neighbour of Lalu Prasad, the Rashtriya Janata Dal leader. The official residence of Yadav’s wife and former Bihar chief minister, Rabri Devi, is located about 200 metres away on the southern side of Circular Road.
A Residence Closely Linked to Nitish Kumar
The bungalow at 7 Circular Road is considered one of Kumar’s preferred addresses in Patna. The structure was designed to withstand strong earthquakes and includes a large lawn planted with specially sourced grass from Kolkata.
For years the building has been used as the chief minister’s office, hosting administrative meetings and political discussions.
Kumar previously stayed at the residence in 2014 after resigning as chief minister following the Lok Sabha election setback. At the time he appointed Jitan Ram Manjhi as his successor and operated politically from the Circular Road bungalow.
He returned to power the following year after the 2015 Bihar assembly elections and moved back to the official chief minister’s residence at 1 Anne Marg.
High Court Ruling Complicates Prospects
The legal uncertainty surrounding the property stems from a 2019 decision by the Patna high court that struck down the practice of granting lifelong government bungalows to former chief ministers.
The division bench held that such privileges were unconstitutional, noting that once leaders leave office they are to be treated as ordinary citizens.
The ruling affected several former chief ministers, including Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi, Jagannath Mishra, Jitan Ram Manjhi and Satish Prasad Singh.
Citing the Supreme Court’s judgment in the Lok Prahari vs State of Uttar Pradesh case, the court said granting lifelong accommodation at public expense was not justified.
Rental Option Still Possible
Bihar currently has no provision guaranteeing permanent government accommodation to former chief ministers. However, the state government may allot housing on a rental basis if it chooses, leaving open the possibility that Kumar could still be offered the Circular Road property.
The bungalow itself is equipped with extensive security arrangements, including high boundary walls, CCTV cameras and deployed security personnel.
Inside, the residence features six VIP bedrooms, large drawing and meeting halls, a dining area and a spacious lawn with a small pond.
A Number That Carries Political Symbolism
The address also holds symbolic value for Kumar. The number seven has often appeared in his political narrative: he entered politics in 1977 and later launched his flagship development agenda under the title “Saat Nischay”, or seven resolutions.
Whether that symbolism translates into a future residence on Circular Road, however, may ultimately depend on how the legal and administrative questions are resolved.
