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.
