Bihar Government Downgrades Security for Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi; Tejashwi Retains Y-Plus Cover

The state government has revoked the Z-plus security protection for former Chief Ministers Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi following a comprehensive review of VIP protocols.

The Bihar government has significantly altered the security apparatus surrounding the state’s prominent political family, stripping RJD chief Lalu Prasad and his wife, Rabri Devi, of their Z-plus security cover. A notification issued on June 4 confirms that the two veteran leaders will transition to protection provided by the Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP). This move coincides with an escalating standoff between the RJD leadership and the current NDA administration regarding the occupation of state-owned residential properties.

Security Review and Personnel Changes

Under the revised protocols, the Z-plus security, which previously featured a dedicated team of highly trained personnel equipped with advanced weaponry, has been withdrawn. Instead, the government’s directive outlines that the security for Mr. Prasad and Ms. Devi will now consist of two to eight BSAP house guards, two bodyguards from the Patna District Police, a pilot vehicle, and bulletproof transport. While the RJD patriarchs have seen their protection levels reduced, the government has maintained the Y-plus security cover for their son, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, as well as Misa Bharti and Rajshree Yadav. Additionally, the Y-category cover previously held by Tej Pratap Yadav has been revoked entirely.

Context of the Bungalow Dispute

This reconfiguration of state security comes amid a highly publicised confrontation over the government bungalow located at 10, Circular Road. Rabri Devi has occupied the residence for nearly two decades, but the government has now issued a 15-day ultimatum for the family to vacate the premises. The property has already been earmarked for Nand Kishor Ram, the current Minister for Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources.

The standoff reached a boiling point recently when Ms. Devi publicly challenged the eviction notices, inviting the government to "use force" if they wished to remove her. In response to the growing tension, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary stated that while some leaders may develop personal attachments to state-allotted bungalows, the decision to vacate remains non-negotiable. Ms. Devi has since been allotted an alternative residence at 39, Harding Road.

Political Implications

For observers of Bihar politics, the timing of these security adjustments—occurring alongside the pressure to vacate high-profile government housing—is being viewed as a significant tightening of the administration's grip on state resources previously held by the RJD. The government maintains that these shifts are the direct result of a routine and objective review of VIP protection across the state, rather than a targeted political maneuver. As the RJD prepares to relocate from their long-standing residence, the transition of security personnel marks the end of an era for the former First Family of the state.