File Picture : ANI/X
A high drama was witnessed at the residence of former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi when several RJD leaders stood guard, claiming their leader has “returned” her security cover in protest against “shabby” treatment from the NDA government.
The development came close on the heels of the allotment of 10, Circular Road, a government bungalow which Rabri Devi has been occupying for two decades, in favour of BJP leader and minister Nand Kishor Ram.
The former CM, who has refused to move to 39, Hardinge Road, allotted to her in her capacity as the leader of the opposition in the state legislative council, received yet another snub from the government earlier this week when the security cover enjoyed by her entire family was downgraded.
“Henceforth, RJD workers will take it upon themselves to ensure that our leaders are out of harm’s way. I am here as a man responsible for their security. I will be joined by many of my colleagues,” he said.
RJD leader Abha Lata, who turned up at 10, Circular Road later in the day, did a video chat with Rabri Devi, and showed her the crowd that was standing at the gate.
Speaking to reporters, Abha Lata said, “We condemn the actions of Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who has cut his teeth under Rabri Devi but is now out to humiliate her. I have told madam that she must not worry. Her husband and son may be away. But she is not alone.”
Notably, Rabri Devi’s husband Lalu Prasad, the RJD president whom she had succeeded as Bihar CM in 1997, is away in Singapore for medical treatment. Their younger son Tejashwi Yadav, the RJD’s second-in-command, was said to be in Delhi.
While in Patna, the RJD supremo shares 10, Circular Road with his wife though many party leaders, including Yadav, his heir apparent, insist that Prasad should get a separate house in his capacity as a former CM.
