RJD chief Lalu Yadav unfazed by security downgrade, calls himself ‘Bihar’s lion’

Patna: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief, Lalu Prasad Yadav on Tuesday dismissed concerns over his security, saying he has “no problem” with it, describing himself as a “lion of Bihar.”

Speaking exclusively to IANS on the security downgrade, Lalu Yadav said, “I am a lion of Bihar, and I don’t have any problem.”

He further responded to questions about alleged political targeting by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and said, “Let them target.”

When asked about the silence of former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on the issue, Lalu Yadav replied, “Yes, everyone is silent.”

On whether Leader of the Opposition, Tejashwi Yadav, was leading the party effectively, the RJD supremo said, “Yes, he is taking the party forward well. There is no problem.”

His remarks came days after on July 2, one of the most iconic addresses in Bihar politics, 10 Circular Road in Patna, entered a new chapter as former Chief Minister Rabri Devi vacated the government bungalow after nearly 20 years of living there.

Accompanied by her husband Lalu Yadav, she shifted to the family’s private residence in Kautilya Nagar, ending an era closely associated with the Rashtriya Janata Dal’s political journey.

Rabri Devi had been residing at the government bungalow since February 2, 2006.

The residence was allotted to her during her tenure as the Leader of the Opposition, first in the Bihar Legislative Assembly and later in the Legislative Council.

Over the years, the bungalow evolved into the political nerve centre of the Lalu family, hosting numerous meetings of the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) and serving as the venue where several key political strategies and decisions were shaped.

As a result, 10 Circular Road became synonymous with RJD politics in Bihar.

Before handing over possession of the bungalow, Rabri Devi had raised concerns regarding the official inventory of government-owned items.

She wrote to the Building Construction Department seeking the original charge register and inventory list prepared at the time the residence was allotted to her in 2006.

According to sources, the department had not yet provided the original documents.

Rabri Devi maintained that the inventory should be verified before the residence was formally handed over to avoid any future disputes or allegations regarding government property.

Despite the pending issue, she vacated the bungalow.

As the current Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Council, Rabri Devi has been allotted an official residence at 39 Harding Road.

However, the Lalu family has, for the time being, shifted to its private residence in Kautilya Nagar.

IANS