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New Delhi: The NDA government led by Nitish Kumar has ordered Rabri Devi, now Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, to vacate her long-held bungalow at 10 Circular Road. The Building Construction Department has allotted her a new residence at 39 Hardinge Road. The residence, also occupied by Lalu Prasad Yadav, recently gained attention after reports of internal tensions post election. Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary reviewed files following his appointment, after which the reallocation order was confirmed.
RJD strongly opposed the decision, calling it an act of “political revenge”. Party spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav claimed BJP influence within the administration was a key factor. Rabri Devi had lived in the government bungalow for years as a former CM. However, the legal right to retain it was removed following a court verdict. The party questions the urgency and timing of the move, especially ahead of the 2025 state elections.
The roots of this decision trace back to 2017 when Tejashwi Yadav challenged the notice asking him to vacate his Deputy CM residence at 5 Deshratna Marg. He wanted to keep it as Leader of Opposition due to heavy renovation investment. During court proceedings, documents revealed all former Chief Ministers were being provided lifelong government bungalows. This revelation triggered unexpected consequences.
On 19 February 2019, after reviewing the case, the Patna High Court cancelled lifelong entitlement of government accommodation for all former Chief Ministers. The court declared such privileges legally invalid and directed withdrawal of all related facilities. Leaders affected included Rabri Devi, Lalu Prasad Yadav, Jagannath Mishra, Jitan Ram Manjhi, and Satish Prasad Singh. This ruling now impacts the current reallocation.
Had the 2019 ruling not nullified long-term residence rights, Rabri Devi might have continued occupying the 10 Circular Road bungalow. Ironically, the case initiated by Tejashwi led to the removal of the very privileges that once protected her tenure at the residence. The government’s recent directive is therefore seen as legally compliant and unavoidable.
This event marks a major shift in Bihar’s administrative framework surrounding political accommodation. The government asserts it is implementing court directives, while opposition argues selective targeting. Analysts state this move may reshape protocol on official residences for former officeholders in the long run.
The reallocation opens discussions on RJD’s internal strategic approach and its unintended judicial consequences. The decision arrives just months before the 2025 Assembly elections, increasing political heat in state circles. Observers believe the case may influence public perception and coalition strategies in the coming months.
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