Another Blow to TMC as Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev Resigns Amid Growing Party Turmoil 2
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) suffered another setback on Wednesday after Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev resigned from the Upper House, becoming the second party parliamentarian to step down within a week amid an escalating political crisis in the party.
Dev, a former Congress leader who joined the TMC in 2021, submitted her resignation to Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan. Her exit comes shortly after senior TMC leader Sukhendu Sekhar Ray resigned from both the Rajya Sabha and the party.
In her resignation letter, Dev expressed gratitude to the Rajya Sabha leadership and secretariat for their support during her tenure.
“I do hereby resign from the membership of Rajya Sabha, which may please be accepted with immediate effect,” she wrote.
“I convey my sincere gratitude to Your Excellency, the Hon’ble Deputy Chairman and all functionaries of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat for extending all help and cooperation during my tenure as a member of the Rajya Sabha,” the letter added.
While Dev has not publicly stated the reasons behind her resignation, political circles are abuzz with speculation that she may soon leave the Trinamool Congress and join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Sources indicated that she recently met Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, further fuelling rumours of a political shift.
Her resignation comes at a turbulent time for the Mamata Banerjee-led party, which has been grappling with an internal rebellion following its defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections.
The crisis has deepened in recent days, with several TMC MPs reportedly deciding to form a separate group and extend support to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre. Simultaneously, a majority of the party’s 80 MLAs in the West Bengal Assembly are reported to have aligned with a separate faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee, who has emerged as the Leader of the Opposition.
Dev’s departure is likely to intensify concerns within the TMC leadership over further defections and the growing challenge to the party’s organisational unity, both in Parliament and in West Bengal.
With two Rajya Sabha resignations in quick succession and continuing signs of unrest within the party ranks, the political future of the TMC appears to be entering a crucial and uncertain phase.
Gutkha Smugglers Attempt to Run Over Woman FDA Officer During Raid in Waluj, Escape With Contraband-Laden Truck 4
In a brazen attack on government officials, suspected gutkha smugglers allegedly attempted to run over a woman Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officer with an SUV and escaped with a truck loaded with banned gutkha and pan masala during a late-night enforcement operation near Waluj in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday at Rahimpur village, where an FDA team had launched a crackdown following a tip-off about the transportation of prohibited tobacco products.
The team, led by Assistant Commissioner Vivek Patil and comprising Food Safety Officers Farid Siddiqui and Pragya Surse, along with Sample Assistant Amol Kamble, intercepted a suspicious truck bearing registration number MH-16-CD-8296. During the inspection, officials reportedly discovered 25 to 30 sacks containing banned gutkha and pan masala products.
According to officials, the team had sought police protection from the Waluj Police Station. However, before police personnel could reach the spot, a black Scorpio SUV without a registration number allegedly arrived at the location.
The occupants of the SUV reportedly surrounded the FDA officials, verbally abused them and attempted to disrupt the seizure operation. The situation soon escalated, with the accused allegedly issuing threats and creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
As per the complaint, the suspects allegedly shouted threats, including calls to shoot the officials. The accused then allegedly drove the SUV towards the FDA team in an attempt to run them over.
Sensing imminent danger, three officials reportedly took shelter behind a nearby temple, while Food Safety Officer Pragya Surse ran across the road to save herself. Officials said the timely reaction of the team prevented a potentially fatal incident.
Amid the chaos, one of the accused allegedly drove away the truck carrying the banned products, while the remaining suspects fled from the scene.
Based on Surse’s complaint, Waluj police have registered a case under various provisions related to attempt to murder, obstructing a public servant from discharging official duties, criminal intimidation and removal of seized contraband.
Police Sub-Inspector Ajay Shitole is leading the investigation.
According to police sources, suspects identified as Saddam and Prabhakar Solunke are known for their alleged involvement in gutkha smuggling activities across the Marathwada region. In an earlier Crime Branch operation, gutkha worth nearly ₹60 lakh was reportedly seized from Solunke’s residence, leading to his arrest and the confiscation of multiple luxury vehicles.
The incident has raised serious concerns within the administration over the growing boldness of organised gutkha smuggling networks and the risks faced by enforcement officers while carrying out anti-contraband operations.
BJP Alleges Congress Infighting Behind Natarajan Nomination Rejection in MP Rajya Sabha Polls 6
Senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya on Tuesday dismissed the Congress’ allegations of a “murder of democracy” over the rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination for the third Rajya Sabha seat from Madhya Pradesh, claiming that Congress leaders from Telangana had supplied the documents that led to the controversy.
The Rajya Sabha election in Madhya Pradesh witnessed a dramatic turn after Natarajan’s nomination was rejected on charges of concealing information in her affidavit. The election for three Rajya Sabha seats is scheduled to be held on June 18.
According to Returning Officer Arvind Sharma’s order, scrutiny of the nomination papers revealed that Natarajan had failed to disclose a court complaint in Telangana in Form 26 submitted along with her nomination, rendering the affidavit incomplete.
The objection was raised by BJP candidate Mahesh Kewat, who alleged that Natarajan had omitted details of a case registered against her in Telangana. Following the rejection of her nomination, Vijayvargiya suggested that the information did not originate from the BJP.
“As for the documents we received, who gave them to us? One can understand the condition of the Congress. We were receiving documents related to Telangana, a state where Congress is in power. We had no information ourselves; it must have come from Congress members,” Vijayvargiya told reporters.
Taking a swipe at the Congress over reports that it plans to move its Madhya Pradesh MLAs to Karnataka to prevent cross-voting, the BJP leader said such measures would not affect the outcome.
“Whether they take MLAs to Bengaluru or even to London, we would have won the election anyway because the people of the country have faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he remarked.
The Congress has strongly opposed the Returning Officer’s decision, describing it as not merely “vote theft” but “seat theft” and a “murder of democracy.” The party has announced its intention to challenge the rejection in court.
Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha suggested that the matter should be taken directly to the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the party staged protests outside the Election Commission office in Bhopal and at the Election Commission headquarters in New Delhi.
Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari announced that party MLAs and leaders would observe a hunger strike across the state on Wednesday in protest against the decision.
Natarajan alleged that despite lacking the numerical strength to secure a third seat, the BJP fielded a third candidate in a bid to undermine democratic processes and constitutional values.
Of the three Rajya Sabha seats falling vacant in Madhya Pradesh, the BJP was comfortably placed to win two, while the Congress held a numerical advantage for the third seat. The BJP has fielded Tarun Chugh, Rajneesh Agarwal and Mahesh Kewat as its candidates.
In the 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly, the effective strength currently stands at 229, requiring a candidate to secure 58 first-preference votes to win a Rajya Sabha seat.
Sandhya Purecha: The Cultural Visionary Bringing India’s Timeless Heritage to the Global Stage 8
In the vast and vibrant landscape of Indian classical arts, few names command as much respect, admiration, and authority as Sandhya Purecha. A distinguished Bharatanatyam exponent, acclaimed author, scholar, choreographer, and cultural administrator, Sandhya Purecha has devoted her life to preserving, promoting, and reimagining India’s rich artistic traditions for contemporary audiences. Her remarkable journey stands as a testament to the enduring power of classical arts and their ability to connect generations, cultures, and civilizations.
For decades, Purecha has been one of the foremost torchbearers of Bharatanatyam, combining rigorous scholarship with artistic excellence. She holds the rare distinction of being the first artist to present on stage the complete Abhinaya Darpana, the seminal dance treatise authored by Nandikeshwara. Guided by the visionary choreography of her revered guru, Parvati Kumar, she transformed this ancient theoretical text into a living artistic experience, demonstrating an extraordinary ability to bridge classical knowledge and performance.
Her scholarly contributions have been equally significant. Through extensive research on Karanas, the ancient dance movements described in the Natya Shastra, she published her landmark work on Kalasa Karana in 2010, enriching the academic discourse surrounding India’s classical dance traditions and contributing to the preservation of invaluable cultural knowledge.
Recognition for her lifelong dedication arrived in the form of the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, bestowed upon her in 2017 for her outstanding contribution to the performing arts. Yet, beyond accolades, it is her role as a cultural institution-builder that has elevated her influence to national prominence.
As Chairperson of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’s apex body for the performing arts, and Chairperson of the W20 Engagement Group during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, Purecha has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s cultural narrative on both national and international platforms. Her stewardship has demonstrated how India’s artistic heritage can serve as a powerful instrument of cultural diplomacy in the twenty-first century.
Her contributions extend further through her role as a Trustee of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, where she continues to support initiatives aimed at preserving India’s artistic and intellectual traditions. Since 1994, she has also been actively involved in government teacher-training programmes through Natyashala, introducing educators to the profound aesthetic principles of Rasa Theory, one of India’s greatest contributions to world aesthetics. Her expertise was further recognized through her appointment to the prestigious Padma Awards Committee in 2023.
In recent years, Sandhya Purecha has emerged as one of India’s most influential cultural curators, conceptualizing and directing some of the country’s most significant national events. She curated the grand opening ceremony of Bharat Mandapam, presenting a spectacular artistic narrative that celebrated India’s civilizational journey, cultural diversity, and creative genius. The production showcased the country’s artistic traditions on an unprecedented scale, leaving a lasting impression on audiences from around the world.
Her visionary approach was equally evident in the inaugural cultural presentation at Yashobhoomi, where she conceptualized a unique production centered on Bhagavan Dhanvantari, highlighting India’s ancient healthcare traditions and knowledge systems. The performance beautifully illustrated how traditional wisdom continues to remain relevant in modern times.
Perhaps one of her most internationally acclaimed achievements came during the G20 Summit, where she curated and directed a historic ensemble featuring 150 rare Indian musical instruments. Presented before world leaders and global delegates, the performance served as a magnificent showcase of India’s intangible cultural heritage. Alongside the celebrated Gandharva Ayodhya presentation, it projected India’s artistic richness onto the global stage with remarkable elegance and sophistication.
Her commitment to presenting India’s civilizational legacy continued through initiatives such as Bharat Smriti Bodh for AI Summit delegates, introducing international participants to India’s ancient knowledge traditions and cultural memory. She has consistently demonstrated an extraordinary ability to translate complex philosophical and historical themes into compelling artistic experiences.
Sandhya Purecha has also championed narratives that celebrate courage, resilience, and empowerment. Her thematic production on Women Warriors for the Ministry of Women and Child Development paid tribute to the extraordinary contributions of women throughout Indian history. Similarly, her specially curated Shaurya and Shakti presentation for Veer Bal Diwas commemorated the bravery and sacrifice of India’s young heroes, blending artistic excellence with powerful national storytelling.
Her cultural leadership was further showcased during the opening celebrations of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, where she designed and directed a unique musical ensemble that brought together diverse artistic traditions in a spiritually uplifting presentation. The programme resonated deeply with audiences and reflected her ability to weave devotion, culture, and artistic expression into a unified experience.
Among her most ambitious undertakings was Utkarsh, a monumental folk festival that brought together more than 1,500 folk and tribal artists from across India in the presence of the President of India. The festival celebrated the living traditions of rural and indigenous communities, reaffirming the importance of preserving cultural diversity in an increasingly globalized world.
From welcoming delegates of the World Heritage Committee through specially designed musical ensembles to conceptualizing innovative cultural programmes for the WAVES Summit in Mumbai, Sandhya Purecha has consistently demonstrated exceptional artistic vision, organizational leadership, and cultural insight. Her work transcends performance; it serves as a bridge connecting India’s ancient wisdom with contemporary global audiences.
Today, Sandhya Purecha stands not merely as a celebrated Bharatanatyam exponent, but as one of the foremost architects of India’s cultural renaissance. Through scholarship, performance, administration, and visionary curation, she has elevated Indian arts to new heights, ensuring that the country’s timeless traditions continue to inspire, educate, and captivate audiences across the world. Her legacy is one of preservation and innovation, rooted in tradition yet boldly looking toward the future—a rare combination that has made her one of the most influential cultural ambassadors of modern India.
Sena Ministers Upset Over Shinde, Sunetra Pawar Being Left Out of Airport Event Invitation 10
A fresh controversy surfaced within Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti alliance on Tuesday after Shiv Sena ministers expressed displeasure over Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar allegedly not being invited to the inauguration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue at the Navi Mumbai International Airport.
According to sources, the issue was raised during a state cabinet meeting, where several Shiv Sena ministers questioned the omission of the two deputy chief ministers from the official event.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reportedly informed the cabinet that he had already ordered an inquiry into the matter after becoming aware of the lapse.
The statue was unveiled by Fadnavis on June 6, coinciding with the 352nd anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation in 1674.
Sources said Shiv Sena ministers Sanjay Shirsat, Shambhuraj Desai and Pratap Sarnaik raised the issue at the very beginning of the cabinet meeting and sought an explanation regarding the absence of invitations to Shinde and Pawar.
Responding to their concerns, Fadnavis reportedly said he realised that neither of the deputy chief ministers had been invited only after arriving at the venue and subsequently directed officials to investigate how the omission occurred.
The incident has sparked discussion within political circles, particularly because both Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Sunetra Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party are key constituents of the BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra.
While the government has not officially commented on the findings of the inquiry, the episode has highlighted sensitivities within the ruling alliance over protocol and representation at high-profile state events.
The outcome of the inquiry is now expected to determine whether the omission was an administrative oversight or a more significant lapse in coordination among government departments.
Patna Court Stays Khan Sir's Arrest in Coaching Centre Firing Case 12
A court in Patna on Tuesday granted interim relief to educator Faisal Khan, popularly known as Khan Sir, by staying his arrest in connection with a firing incident linked to the alleged vandalism of his coaching institute earlier this month.
Khan Sir was named in an FIR after shots were allegedly fired by security guards associated with his coaching centre during a disturbance involving a group of miscreants.
Confirming the development, his lawyer Arvind Kumar Mouar said the court has stayed any coercive action against the educator until further orders and has directed the investigating agency to produce the case diary and details of relevant antecedents at the next hearing.
“The court has stayed his arrest till further orders and ordered the presentation of the case diary and other records during the next hearing,” Mouar told reporters.
Khan Sir had moved the court seeking anticipatory bail on Monday. According to his counsel, all relevant facts were placed before the court, and a final decision is expected after examination of the case diary.
“The court is likely to pass an appropriate order after reviewing the investigation records,” the lawyer said, adding that the next date of hearing has not yet been fixed.
The court has also sought records related to two security guards associated with Khan Global Studies Institute, who were detained by police on Thursday in connection with the case. Their matter is scheduled to come up for hearing separately.
Mouar stated that Khan Sir has received protection from coercive action and will cooperate fully with investigators as required during the course of the probe.
The case stems from an incident on the night of June 2, when a group of around 15 to 20 individuals allegedly vandalised the premises of Khan Global Studies Institute in Patna and pelted stones at the coaching centre.
Police subsequently detained two security guards attached to the institute on allegations that they opened fire during the disturbance. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The case has drawn significant public attention given Khan Sir’s popularity among students and competitive examination aspirants across the country.
TMC Faces Biggest Crisis Yet as 20 MPs Back NDA, Seek Separate Bloc in Lok Sabha 14
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) plunged deeper into crisis on Monday after a group of 20 Lok Sabha MPs, led by senior leader Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, claimed to have extended support to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and sought recognition as a separate bloc in Parliament.
The dramatic development marks the first major split in the party’s parliamentary wing since its formation in 1998 and comes amid an ongoing rebellion within the party’s ranks in West Bengal.
Speaking to PTI, Ghosh Dastidar said that nearly 20 TMC MPs had decided to support the NDA, citing the need for Bengal’s development and changing political realities.
“Nearly 20 TMC MPs, including me, have decided to support the NDA for Bengal’s development. We have written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and formally conveyed our decision,” she said.
Later, while speaking to a news channel, she claimed that a letter signed by 20 MPs had already been submitted to the Speaker seeking separate seating arrangements as an independent parliamentary bloc.
The development comes at a politically sensitive moment for the Mamata Banerjee-led party, which has already been grappling with a major internal rebellion in the West Bengal Assembly. Days earlier, 58 of the party’s 80 MLAs reportedly backed expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee as Leader of the Opposition instead of the party’s official nominee, Sovandeb Chattopadhyay.
The unrest reached Parliament while Mamata Banerjee was in New Delhi attending an INDIA bloc meeting aimed at strengthening opposition unity against the BJP, underscoring the scale of the challenge confronting the TMC leadership.
Sources in the dissident camp said the MPs have chosen not to resign from the TMC or formally join the BJP at this stage. Instead, they plan to function as a separate parliamentary group while supporting the NDA, a move seen as an attempt to remain protected under anti-defection provisions.
The dissident MPs are also expected to argue before the Speaker that Ghosh Dastidar remains the legitimate chief whip of the party in the Lok Sabha and that subsequent changes announced by the party leadership were not completed through the required parliamentary procedures.
However, the TMC has countered those claims by releasing a May 20 letter from party chief Mamata Banerjee informing Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla about the appointment of Kalyan Banerjee as the new chief whip. The party also shared Ghosh Dastidar’s resignation letter from party posts submitted last week.
Adding to the turmoil, senior Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy resigned from both the Upper House and the TMC earlier in the day. In his resignation statement, Roy said the people of West Bengal had delivered a clear verdict in favour of the BJP and criticised what he described as the TMC’s failures in governance.
His resignation has fuelled speculation that the unrest could spread to the Rajya Sabha, where the TMC currently has 12 members.
TMC MP Mahua Moitra strongly criticised the rebels, accusing them of betraying the mandate on which they were elected.
The dissident camp, meanwhile, insists that the parliamentary revolt is a continuation of the rebellion that began in the West Bengal Assembly, with Ritabrata Banerjee describing the developments as a growing movement within the party.
Political observers have drawn comparisons with major political splits witnessed in Maharashtra involving the Shiv Sena and NCP, where legislative strength played a decisive role in altering the balance of power. However, unlike those episodes, Mamata Banerjee continues to retain firm control over the party organisation.
With rebellion now visible in both the Assembly and Parliament, the TMC faces what many analysts describe as the most serious internal challenge in its nearly three-decade history, potentially reshaping the political landscape of West Bengal and the national opposition.
Bachchu Kadu Backs Shinde for CM, Says Fadnavis Deserves Bigger Role in National Politics 16
Shiv Sena leader Bachchu Kadu on Monday renewed his pitch for Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to become Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, while suggesting that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should be entrusted with a larger role in national politics.
Speaking to reporters, Kadu clarified remarks he made in Bhandara a day earlier, where he had advocated for Shinde’s elevation to the state’s top post.
“As a Shiv Sainik, it is natural for us to want Eknath Shinde to become the Chief Minister. We would never say that the CM should be from another party. Shiv Sena is in our hearts and minds, and we want a Shiv Sena leader as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra,” Kadu said.
The legislator further stated that Fadnavis has the potential to play a more prominent role at the national level and should be given greater responsibilities beyond the state.
“Devendra Fadnavis should get a bigger role in national politics so that Maharashtra’s voice is heard across the country. Everyone is expecting that from him,” he added.
The remarks come amid ongoing political discussions within Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, and the NCP headed by Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar.
Shinde served as Chief Minister from 2022 to 2024 after leading a rebellion against the then undivided Shiv Sena under Uddhav Thackeray and forming a government with BJP support.
Responding to questions about his recent comments on farmer suicides in Vidarbha, Kadu defended his stand, noting that the issue had been repeatedly raised by Fadnavis himself when he was in the opposition.
“Farmers are continuing to die by suicide in large numbers. Even orange growers are ending their lives. The Chief Minister has taken steps to address the issue, but more concrete measures are needed,” Kadu said.
He stressed the need for stronger interventions to tackle agrarian distress, particularly in Vidarbha, a region that has witnessed a high number of farmer suicides over the years.
Kadu also expressed concern over delays in the implementation of welfare schemes, including the Ladki Bahin programme. He warned that if eligible beneficiaries continue to face difficulties in receiving assistance, he would launch a protest on July 1 to press for timely delivery of benefits.
His comments add a fresh political dimension to Maharashtra’s evolving power dynamics, even as the ruling alliance continues to project unity ahead of future electoral challenges.
Houthis Declare Total Ban on Israeli Shipping in Red Sea, Escalating Regional Conflict 18
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement on Monday announced a “complete and total ban” on Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea, declaring all Israeli-linked vessels legitimate targets with immediate effect in a move that could significantly escalate tensions across the Middle East.
The announcement was made by a military spokesperson of the group, which refers to itself as the Yemeni Armed Forces, during a televised address. The declaration marks a major escalation in the strategically vital Red Sea region and threatens one of the world’s busiest maritime trade corridors.
“We declare a complete and total ban on maritime navigation of the Israeli enemy in the Red Sea and consider all enemy movements legitimate targets for our armed forces from the moment this statement is issued,” the spokesperson said.
The move comes hours after the Houthis claimed responsibility for launching a missile towards what they described as “sensitive sites” in the Jaffa area of central Israel. The group said the attack was part of coordinated operations carried out by the broader “axis of resistance,” comprising forces aligned with Iran in Yemen, Lebanon, Gaza, Iraq and elsewhere in the region.
Israel’s military confirmed that its air defence systems were activated to intercept a projectile launched from Yemen. Authorities reported no casualties or damage.
The attack is the first claimed Houthi strike against Israel since a fragile ceasefire emerged following the Israel-Gaza agreement reached in October 2025.
The Houthis have repeatedly stated that their actions are aimed at supporting Palestinians and resisting Israeli military operations in the region. Their campaign against shipping in the Red Sea began in November 2023, targeting vessels allegedly linked to Israel, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Over the past two years, more than 100 attacks attributed to the group have disrupted global shipping routes, forcing vessels to divert around Africa, increasing insurance premiums and prompting international naval operations, including US-led and European security missions in the region.
Although attacks largely subsided after the Gaza ceasefire, the Houthis had warned that operations could resume if hostilities involving Israel or its allies intensified. The latest declaration appears linked to the broader regional tensions involving Iran and Israel, with the Red Sea emerging once again as a strategic pressure point.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, located at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, facilitating nearly 15 per cent of global seaborne trade and serving as a key route for energy supplies moving from the Persian Gulf to international markets.
Industry observers have warned that any prolonged disruption in the area could further strain global supply chains and energy markets already facing challenges due to geopolitical instability elsewhere in the region.
The latest announcement has heightened concerns among shipping companies, insurers and international governments about the possibility of renewed attacks on commercial vessels, including oil and gas tankers operating in or near the Red Sea.
The Houthis continue to control large parts of northern Yemen and have maintained their military capabilities despite years of conflict, Saudi-led coalition operations and repeated Western airstrikes.
Former Bihar chief ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi have sent back all security personnel stationed at their Patna residence following the Bihar government’s decision to withdraw their Z-plus security cover.
The development came to light after visuals from their residence at 10, Circular Road showed vacant guard posts, unused metal detectors, and the absence of security personnel. The couple had earlier been provided one of the highest levels of security, which included protection from central forces such as the CRPF and NSG commandos.
According to officials, the state government recently conducted a review of security arrangements for VIPs across Bihar. Following the assessment, a notification issued on June 4 revoked the Z-plus security cover provided to Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi.
Under the revised arrangement, the two leaders will now receive security from the Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP), including a limited number of house guards, personal security officers, a pilot vehicle, and a bulletproof vehicle.
The review also affected former minister Tej Pratap Yadav, whose Y-category security cover was reportedly reduced. However, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav continues to retain Y-plus security.
Visuals shared by news agency ANI showed the empty security infrastructure outside the residence, indicating that the remaining security personnel had also been asked to leave following the government’s order.
The security downgrade comes amid another controversy involving the Yadav family. Authorities have issued a fresh notice directing them to vacate the official bungalow at 10, Circular Road within 15 days and shift to an alternative residence allotted at 39, Hardinge Road.
Rabri Devi has previously stated that she would not vacate the residence even if force was used, maintaining that the property had become her home over the years.
While the Bihar government has described the security review as a routine exercise based on updated threat assessments, the move has triggered political speculation in the state’s highly charged political environment.
Lalu Prasad Yadav, founder of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), remains one of Bihar’s most influential political figures despite health concerns. Along with Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav, he continues to play a central role in the opposition’s challenge to the ruling NDA alliance.
The government’s decision has drawn mixed reactions. While some have welcomed the move as a step toward reducing public expenditure on security for former office-bearers, others have criticised it as a politically motivated action targeting the RJD leadership.
For now, the once heavily guarded 10, Circular Road residence stands without its previous security apparatus, even as the eviction notice and security downgrade add a fresh chapter to Bihar’s evolving political landscape.
