RJD chief Lalu Prasad on Saturday criticized the NDA government in Bihar over its earlier order directing former chief minister Rabri Devi to vacate a bungalow on Ring Road No. 10 allotted to it earlier and its decision to reduce its security cover, saying the administration had made a “huge mistake”.
Earlier, the state home department had withdrawn the Z-cover of Prasad and his wife Rabri Devi and replaced it with a security cover by the Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP). However, on Saturday, the administration upgraded the security level of the two, providing them with a Z-class cover.
Responding to the government’s decision to beef up security, Prasad told reporters: “The government is on the defensive.”
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When asked if the Bihar government had made a mistake by reducing its security cover, he replied: “Bahut jalti kya hai (they have made a huge mistake).”
According to a notification issued by the state home department on Saturday, Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi have been provided with Z category security cover. The move comes nearly a month after their security level was downgraded.
They were also provided with bulletproof vehicles. Previously, the couple’s Z security cover was reduced after a review by the state government, a decision that sparked major political controversy.
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According to sources, Z-Security is among the highest categories of security coverage offered by the government. It requires a specialized team of trained security personnel equipped with advanced weapons and other security equipment.
Former Chief Minister Rabri Devi and her family, including Lalu Prasad, on Thursday vacated the government bungalow at 10 Ring Road, their home for nearly two decades.
She is now the Leader of the Opposition in the state legislature.
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On Friday, Building Construction Department officials conducted a final inspection of the property before officially taking it over.
They said that the inspection aims to evaluate the condition of the building and verify its equipment and infrastructure.
It may be noted that through an order issued on May 27, the Building Construction Department had allotted Bungalow No. 10 on Ring Road to BJP leader and state minister Nand Kishore Yadav.
