Patna: Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi has begun vacating her long-time official residence at 10 Circular Road in Patna, sparking a verbal confrontation between the opposition and the ruling coalition on Friday.
While opposition leaders have labelled the eviction as an act of "political vendetta" by the state government, the ruling JD(U) and BJP maintain that the move is strictly in adherence to the law and due process. The vacation of the premises follows a notice issued by the Building Construction Department on November 25.
The opposition has strongly criticised the government's decision. Purnia MP Pappu Yadav described the move as stemming from personal animosity, raising concerns about the security of Rabri Devi and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav. Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput accused the BJP-led government of "politics of enmity," alleging that the administration is conspiring to harass an elderly and ailing couple despite established rules. " his hostile approach towards the opposition reflects the BJP’s policy. Through such actions, they want to weaken democracy and the Constitution," Rajput stated.
In response, the ruling coalition dismissed allegations of discrimination. JD(U) National Spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad argued that the family possesses significant private assets and questioned their necessity for a government residence. Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav asserted that the rules apply uniformly to everyone, noting that Rabri Devi has been allotted an alternative bungalow at 39 Harding Road and continues to receive all facilities entitled to a former Chief Minister.
The 10 Circular Road bungalow, which had been modified over the years to include a conference hall and additional rooms, also served as the residence for Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav. Reports indicate that while the family is shifting their personal belongings to a private residence in the Mahua Bagh locality, the newly allotted bungalow on Harding Road will likely be utilised primarily for official work.
(Inputs from IANS)