Patna. Change of power in Bihar politics does not only mean change of faces, sometimes addresses also change. These days, former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Rabri Devi getting a notice to vacate the bungalow at 10 Circular Road is a new link in the same political tradition. He had once got this residence when he was the Chief Minister, today he is being given a new address – 39 Harding Road by the government. This controversy is not only about the administrative order of change of residence, but is also reviving that old political memory of Bihar when in 2014–15 the tension between Nitish Kumar and Jitan Ram Manjhi reached its peak regarding CM residence 1 Anne Marg.
When Nitish Kumar left the post of Chief Minister
Patna’s 1 Anne Marg, the story of Rabri Devi, Nitish Kumar and Jitan Ram Manjhi’s bungalow dispute, politics and symbol of power.
Jitan Ram Manjhi becomes Chief Minister, again power struggle
Jitan Ram Manjhi started living there, but after this the circumstances started changing. There was a rift in relations and two commands of power came into one party. Gradually the relations between the two leaders started deteriorating. Manjhi wanted to prove himself not just a nominal Chief Minister but a completely independent head of power. At the same time, within JDU it was believed that the real reins of the government were still in the hands of Nitish. This is where the tension started. Between the factionalism of JDU MLAs and the alliance, Nitish Kumar started preparations to become the Chief Minister again. Manjhi was invited to prove the trust vote, but he resigned on 20 February 2015, even before the voting. In the year 2015, Nitish announced his withdrawal and on February 9, Jitan Ram Manjhi was expelled from JDU.
Rift in relationships and two commands of power.
Manjhi’s resignation, Nitish’s return and bungalow vacant
In February 2015, the situation became such that on 22 February 2015, Nitish Kumar took oath again and his government was formed. In such a situation, Jitan Ram Manjhi had to resign from his post, but he did not immediately follow the order to vacate the bungalow. Manjhi said- I was the Chief Minister and I should be given time with respect. This controversy grew so much that it became not just a government order but a question of political prestige. Jitan Ram Manjhi did not leave the bungalow. There was a tussle between the government and them, police were deployed, officials issued warnings. Ultimately, after several rounds of negotiations and government pressure, Manjhi agreed to leave the bungalow. Finally, on June 22, 2015, after about four months, Jitan Ram Manjhi vacated 1, Anne Marg.
Patna’s 1 Anne Marg, the story of Rabri Devi, Nitish Kumar and Jitan Ram Manjhi’s bungalow dispute, politics and symbol of power.
Battle for power, respect and political control
After a few weeks, 1 Anne Marg again came under the control of Nitish Kumar. But today, when the controversy over Rabri Devi’s bungalow is increasing and RJD is calling it political vendetta, then this question is again emerging – does power in Bihar flow only through mandate or also through address? Interestingly, the judicial decision which has made Rabri’s bungalow unstable today was initiated by his son Tejashwi Yadav. At that time he was talking about improving the system, but today the same system is standing as a notice at the door of his family.
Not just a brick and stone wall, but the identity of power
Experts say that in Bihar politics, bungalows are no longer just government property – they have become a symbol of power, prestige and political identity. The entire story from former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi to former CM Rabri Devi shows that a bungalow is not just bricks and stones or government property; It becomes a symbol of power, identity and political authority. Therefore, every time there is a change of power, not only the furniture within the walls, but also history and politics seem to shift and the honorable people concerned feel pained at the heart!
