Lalu, Rabri & Tejashwi return security cover after Z-plus withdrawal; RJD workers guard bungalow with sticks

RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, former Chief Minister Rabri Devi and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav returned security personnel deployed at their Patna residences on Saturday after the Bihar government revised the security cover provided to members of the Yadav family. The move came days after the state government withdrew the Z-plus security cover of Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi following a review of VIP protection arrangements. RJD workers were later seen standing guard outside the family’s 10 Circular Road residence, some carrying sticks.

According to the revised arrangement, Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi were to receive security cover from the Bihar Special Armed Police. The updated protocol included house guards from the Bihar Special Armed Police, bodyguards from the Patna District Force, a pilot vehicle and a bulletproof car. However, the two leaders reportedly sent away both the personnel deployed under the previous arrangement and those assigned under the revised security setup.

The security review also affected other members of the Yadav family. Tej Pratap Yadav’s Y-category security cover was withdrawn, while Tejashwi Yadav returned the security personnel deployed with him in protest. Officials clarified that Tejashwi Yadav’s Y-plus security category remained unchanged despite the protest. The Bihar government stated that the changes were part of a routine review based on threat perception assessments.

RJD leaders described the decision as politically motivated and alleged that senior opposition leaders were being targeted. RJD spokesperson Shakti Yadav staged a protest outside the residence and said party workers would take responsibility for the security of the Yadav family. He also linked the issue to the government’s decision to allot the 10 Circular Road bungalow to Bihar minister Nand Kishor Ram and claimed that the family had faced repeated political targeting.

The security controversy comes amid an ongoing dispute over the official residence occupied by Rabri Devi. The Bihar government has directed the family to vacate the bungalow after allotting it to another minister. Lalu Prasad Yadav’s daughter Rohini Acharya criticised the security downgrade and alleged that the decision was intended to harm the family. The Bihar government has rejected allegations of political vendetta and maintained that the security review was an administrative exercise carried out according to established procedures.