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Rabri Devi Bungalow Row: Nitish government has ordered that Leader of Opposition in Bihar Legislative Council Rabri Devi has been allotted a new bungalow in place of the government house she currently gets because she is a former Chief Minister. According to the order, he will have to leave the bungalow at 10 Circular Road and accept a new residence. But RJD has called it politically motivated and has clearly indicated that it is not ready to accept this decision.
Patna. A new turn has come in the politics of Bihar. Nitish Kumar led NDA government has allotted a new government bungalow on Harding Road, Patna to former Chief Minister Rabri Devi. But, RJD clearly said that the old bungalow at 10 Circular Road will not be vacant. State president of the party, Mangni Lal Mandal termed it as political revenge and gave an ultimatum – ‘Do whatever you want, but will not vacate the camp.’ In fact, this controversy is not only raising the question of the honor of Lalu family, but is also reviving the old battle for power in Bihar and the anger of RJD leaders regarding this is clearly visible.
RJD’s tough stance, allegations of vendetta politics
Mangani Lal Mandal said that this step is inspired by poisonous thinking towards Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi. He raised questions on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar that the government changed several times in 20 years, but the Bengali issue was never raised, but why suddenly now? Is this a move of BJP? Manganilal Mandal believes that after the Home Department went to BJP, an attempt is being made to humiliate the Lalu family. The party decided that it will go to court or take whatever necessary steps, but will not leave the bungalow. This rhetoric is energizing RJD workers who consider it a struggle against power.
Government’s decision, new bungalow, order to vacate the old one
The Building Construction Department has issued a formal letter and given Rabri Devi the bungalow at 39 Harding Road, which is attached to the quota of Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council. It has now become mandatory to vacate the old bungalow at 10 Circular Road. Joint Secretary of the department Shiv Ranjan clearly wrote in the letter that after getting a new residence, the old one will have to be left. On the other hand, this step of Nitish government seems to be based on rules, but RJD is calling it a selective action. Tej Pratap Yadav may also have to leave his bungalow at 26 M Strand Road, which has now been given to the new minister.
A major center of Bihar politics for two decades
What will happen next, court fight or settlement?
RJD leader Lal Mandal said while talking to the media that whatever the government wants to do, Rabri Devi should not be removed from her present bungalow. He argued that the bungalow was given to the former Chief Minister at the same time when he ruled the state and removing it now would be like erasing history. At the same time, RJD indicated that it will fight a legal battle, but if the dispute escalates, the politics of Bihar may become more heated. Will Nitish government show strictness or adopt the path of talks? It will be interesting to see. At present, the old camp of the Lalu family remains the center of this power struggle, where eyes are on every step.
