Bihar govt. withdraws Z+ security cover to Lalu and Rabri, retains Tejashwi Yadav’s Y+ cover

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RJD leaders Lalu Prasad (left) and Rabri Devi (right). File. | Photo Credit: ANI, The Hindu

The NDA government in Bihar has withdrawn Z+ security cover accorded to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad and his wife Rabri Devi along with Y-category security cover provided to their elder son Tej Pratap Yadav. However, the government has decided to retain the Y+ security cover for Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly Tejashwi Yadav, his elder sister Misa Bharti and wife Rajshree Yadav.

The notification issued by the Bihar government on June 4 said that Mr. Prasad and Ms. Devi, both former Chief Ministers, will now be provided security cover by the Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP). A review of the protection provided to VIPs in the State was conducted following which the decision was taken, said the notification. “The current security arrangement of the two RJD leaders Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi feature two to eight house guards from the BSAP, two bodyguards from the Patna District Police Force, a pilot and bulletproof cars,” said the government notification. “The Z+ security cover comprises a dedicated team of trained personnel equipped with advanced arms,” added the notification.

The government has also decided to withdraw Y-category security cover provided to chief of Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD) Tej Pratap Yadav.

Recently, there was a verbal duel between the Bihar government and RJD leader Rabri Devi over the notices issued to her for vacating the government bungalow at 10, Circular Road where she has been residing along with her family for nearly two decades. “Use force to evict me from the bungalow,” Ms. Devi responded.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, without taking her name, later said: “Some people get attached with the government bungalow where they live...but they have to vacate the bungalow at any cost.”

Ms. Devi’s bungalow has been allotted to Minister for Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources Nand Kishor Ram while Ms. Devi has been allotted a new