A fresh political controversy has gripped Bihar over the government bungalow at 10 Circular Road in Patna, after former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Council, Rabri Devi, reportedly refused to vacate the official residence despite receiving a final eviction notice from the state government. The standoff, which unfolded on 30 May, has drawn sharp reactions from the ruling Janata Dal (United) and its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners.

The Eviction Notice and Rabri Devi's Response

The Bihar government issued a final directive asking Rabri Devi to vacate 10 Circular Road, a residence long associated with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leadership and widely regarded as one of the most prominent political addresses in the state. Rabri Devi reportedly declared she would not leave under any circumstances, challenging the government to deploy security forces if it intended to proceed with the eviction.

Patna Secretariat SDPO Anu Kumari subsequently arrived at the bungalow accompanied by a police contingent and held a conversation with Rabri Devi, underscoring the administration's resolve to enforce the directive.

What the Government Said

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary stated that all administrative actions are carried out strictly in accordance with established laws and regulations. He emphasised that every citizen is expected to comply with legal provisions and that decisions regarding official residences are governed by prescribed norms and procedures.

JD(U) Chief Spokesperson Neeraj Kumar launched a pointed attack on Rabri Devi, questioning the basis of her objections. He claimed she had already been allotted an alternative government residence, with additional accommodation options also available. Kumar noted that a new residence was under construction in Mahuabagh, while another was being developed in Kautilya Nagar. He argued that the Building Construction Department had already issued three notices regarding the matter, leaving no room for concern over housing arrangements.

Political Barbs and the RJD Response

Taking a broader political swipe at the RJD leadership, Neeraj Kumar also referenced the family's land holdings and properties, alleging they possessed substantial assets and therefore faced no genuine housing difficulty. He asserted that public representatives — particularly those holding constitutional or opposition positions — should set an example by respecting administrative procedures rather than turning accommodation into a matter of political confrontation.

Opposition leaders, meanwhile, continued to question the government's intentions behind the move, suggesting the eviction drive was politically motivated rather than a routine administrative exercise.

Why 10 Circular Road Matters

The bungalow at 10 Circular Road has been closely associated with RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi for decades, making it one of Bihar's most symbolically charged political addresses. The dispute, therefore, carries significance well beyond a routine accommodation dispute — it touches on the RJD's political identity and its standing in the state. This is not the first time government accommodation has become a flashpoint in Bihar politics, with similar rows having surfaced in earlier legislative cycles.

What Happens Next

With both sides holding firm positions, political observers believe the standoff is unlikely to resolve quickly. The government's next administrative step — and whether it chooses to escalate to a physical eviction — will be closely watched. The dispute is expected to continue generating debate as the Bihar Legislative Council session approaches and the 2025 Bihar assembly election cycle draws nearer.