Z-plus security cover withdrawn for Lalu Yadav, Rabri Devi

Former Bihar chief ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi have sent back the revised security personnel deployed at their Patna residence after the state government withdrew their Z-plus security cover following a review of VIP protection arrangements.

The senior Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders were recently assigned a new security detail from the Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP). However, the personnel were removed from outside their 10, Circular Road residence on Saturday.

The development also saw RJD workers gathering outside the bungalow, with some supporters standing guard carrying sticks.

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Revised security arrangement rejected

Under the revised arrangement, Lalu Yadav and Rabri Devi were provided two to eight house guards from the BSAP, two bodyguards from the Patna District Force, and a pilot and bulletproof vehicle.

Their son and Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, also returned his Y-category security cover. The Y-category protection provided to elder son Tej Pratap Yadav had also been withdrawn.

Rohini Acharya alleges political targeting

Reacting to the move, Lalu Yadav and Rabri Devi's daughter Rohini Acharya accused the government of acting with a "malicious intent of causing them and their family harm".

"Given that there is no point in retaining a mere facade of security after such a reduction, Rabri Devi ji has decided to send the security personnel back from her official residence," she wrote on X.

In another post, Acharya urged RJD supporters to gather outside the family residence and show solidarity.

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She called on supporters to send a "direct, clear, and stern message" that they are the "true protectors and shield" of the Yadav family.

"The entire nation and all of Bihar are witnessing how Bihar's first female chief minister and her family are being harassed; the people of Bihar will give a befitting reply to every action taken out of vindictiveness," Acharya said.

RJD spokesperson Shakti Yadav said more party leaders could also return their security cover.

Bungalow row adds to tensions

The security controversy comes days after Rabri Devi was asked to vacate the government bungalow at 10, Circular Road.

The residence was allotted to Bihar Fisheries and Dairy Development Minister Nand Kishor Ram through an order issued by the Building Construction Department on May 27.

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Rabri Devi has refused to leave the premises. "I can see Samrat Choudhary is quite excited upon becoming the chief minister. Let his government evict me by force. I am not going to vacate the house," she reportedly told reporters after returning to Patna from Delhi.