CM playing up Z+ security and bungalow row to divert attention from real issues: Tejashwi Yadav

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Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Bihar Assembly LoP Tejashwi Yadav speaks to the media over the withdrawal of Z+ security cover from RJD leaders Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, on June 9, 2026. | Photo Credit: ANI

The withdrawal of Z+ security for former Bihar Chief Ministers Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi and the notice to Ms. Devi to vacate the government bungalow at 10, Circular Road, Patna, are attempts to divert attention from the real issues of the people, Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Assembly Tejashwi Yadav said on Tuesday (June 9, 2026).

This is the first time Mr. Yadav has spoken about the matter of Z+ security. He was speaking to reporters at the Patna airport upon his arrival from New Delhi.

Targeting Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary over the matter, Mr. Yadav said that even after becoming the Chief Minister, there was no change in Mr. Choudhary’s thinking. “He may have become the Chief Minister, but he is a Cheap Minister,” he said.

Last Saturday, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders and workers were seen standing guard, holding sticks in their hands, at the gate of 10, Circular Road residence, where the Lalu family resides, after Mr. Prasad and Ms. Devi had sent back the security cover provided to them in place of the Z+ cover.

“The State’s treasury is empty; no work is being carried out; corruption is at its peak; prices of petrol and diesel are increasing every day; murder, dacoity, and gang rape are taking place every day; people are not getting their pensions; and Ministers and legislators are not getting their salaries. So, to divert attention from these issues, Samrat Choudhary has played up the security issue, so that people debate over it. But let me say it very clearly that it is not an issue for us,” Mr. Yadav said.

Last week, the BJP-led Bihar Government withdrew the Z+ security for Mr. Prasad and Ms. Devi and instead provided them security with Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP) personnel. Before that, the Bihar Building Construction Depar