Patna, May 30 (IANS) A fresh political controversy has erupted in Bihar over the government bungalow at 10 Circular Road in Patna after former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Council, Rabri Devi, reportedly refused to vacate the residence despite receiving a final notice from the state government.
According to reports, the Bihar government issued a final directive asking Rabri Devi to vacate the bungalow. However, she has maintained that she will not leave under any circumstances, challenging the government to use security forces if it wishes to evict her.
Amidst the proceedings, Patna Secretariat SDPO Anu Kumari arrived at the residence accompanied by a police force and held a conversation with Rabri Devi.
The development has triggered sharp reactions from leaders of the ruling Janata Dal (United) and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary emphasised that all administrative actions are carried out strictly in accordance with established laws and regulations. He said every citizen is expected to comply with legal provisions and government rules, adding that decisions regarding official residences are governed by prescribed norms and procedures.
Meanwhile, JD(U) Chief Spokesperson Neeraj Kumar launched a strong attack on Rabri Devi over the issue. He questioned the basis of her objections, claiming she had already been allotted an alternative government residence and that additional arrangements were also available.
Neeraj Kumar remarked that a new residence was under construction in Mahuabagh, while another accommodation was being developed in Kautilya Nagar. He argued that housing should not become a matter of political confrontation and asserted that public representatives, especially leaders holding constitutional or opposition positions, should set an example by respecting administrative procedures.
He further stated that the Building Construction Department had already issued three notices regarding the matter and suggested there was no reason for concern over accommodation arrangements.
Taking a political swipe at the RJD leadership, Neeraj Kumar also referred to the family’s land holdings and properties, alleging they possessed substantial assets and therefore had no genuine housing-related difficulties.
The controversy surrounding the iconic 10 Circular Road bungalow has intensified political debate in the state. The residence has long been associated with RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi and has remained one of the most prominent political addresses in Bihar for decades.
While the ruling alliance maintains that the issue is purely administrative and governed by official rules regarding government accommodation, opposition leaders have continued to question the government’s intentions behind the move.
With both sides adopting firm positions, political observers believe the dispute may continue to generate debate in the coming days as the government and Rabri Devi decide their next course of action.
–IANS
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