Row over Rabri’s bungalow continues, RJD keeps ‘defiant tone’ on eviction

Row over Rabri’s Bungalow Continues, RJD Keeps Defiant Tone on Eviction

Row over Rabri s bungalow continues – As the 15-day deadline set by the district administration for Rabri Devi, the former chief minister, to leave her 10, Circular Road home approaches its end on Sunday, tensions persist between her and the BJP-led government. Despite being issued a third eviction notice, Rabri remains steadfast in her refusal to move to the designated bungalow at 39, Hardinge Road, which has been allocated to her. The property is now being given to Nandkishor Ram, the minister for dairy, fisheries, and animal resources.

On May 30, Rabri took a bold stance, challenging the government to use force to evict her from the bungalow. She emphasized her determination to stay, stating she would not vacate the home. Senior RJD figures are pushing for clarity from the state government regarding the rationale behind the delayed relocation of two deputy chief ministers—Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav—as well as the assembly speaker, Prem Kumar. They argue the government must address why these officials have not moved to their assigned residences.

“We are still unable to understand why the state government is adopting double standards over the eviction notice and allotment of a new bungalow to former chief minister Rabri Devi, who is the leader of the Opposition in the legislative council. She has been living there since 2006. Many ministers have not moved to their new designated bungalows, and many top politicians are occupying big government accommodations without valid reasons. The government must clear the air on this first before asking the RJD leader to move from her residence,” said Bhola Yadav, senior RJD leader.

Yadav added that the state government should explain the delay in relocating the RJD’s first family, including Rabri’s husband, Lalu Prasad, who is the party’s leader. He noted that Prem Kumar’s bungalow has been earmarked for health minister Nishant Kumar, who has yet to receive his assigned home.

In the past ten days, the RJD has taken a strong stance against the eviction order. Lalu Prasad himself dismissed the decision as reckless, expressing no concern about the move. Meanwhile, RJD insiders indicated the family is evaluating all possible responses to the eviction notice, highlighting the emotional significance of the home to Rabri, Lalu, and their children. Bhola Yadav remained vague when asked whether the family would eventually vacate the property.

JD(U) chief spokesperson and MLC Neeraj Kumar accused the RJD of turning the bungalow issue into a political spectacle. “The RJD’s first family is trying to create a political issue over the bungalow allotment when it is just a routine administrative matter,” Kumar stated. He pointed out that Rabri Devi has already received her new residence as the Opposition leader in the legislative council. Additionally, the family owns private properties in Patna, he argued, questioning the uproar over a single home.

“Besides, the RJD’s first family has the option of a private residence too in Patna as they also have their own houses in the city. So, why is the big fuss being created over a house? It is just an attempt to draw political mileage,” Kumar said.

Kumar also defended the deputy CMs’ decision to stay in their current residences, calling it a commendable choice. “Two deputy CMs are entitled to bigger bungalows but they have chosen to remain in smaller houses where they were residing earlier. So, it is a sacrifice they have made,” he remarked.

A journalist with 21 years of experience, Anirban covers RJD, legislature, and government beats. He has extensive background in election coverage and regularly writes on finance, land reforms, registration, excise, and socio-economic topics.