Patna, Nov 27 (NationPress) The Nitish government has assigned a new official residence to Rabri Devi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Council. However, the new accommodation is not as expansive as the previous 10 Circular Road bungalow. RJD leaders contend that the new residence is insufficient for her large family, which comprises nine children along with RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav.

Following the Bihar government’s directive for Rabri Devi to vacate her long-term residence, a controversy arose, with the RJD branding it as an instance of political vendetta. Conversely, the JD(U) defended the decision as adhering to established norms.

The bungalow at 39 Hardinge Road is recognized as the second-largest among the ministerial residences, yet experts note that it pales in comparison to the significantly larger 10 Circular Road property currently occupied by the family.

It is important to highlight that Rabri Devi's existing residence is directly opposite the Chief Minister’s quarters, while the newly assigned bungalow is situated 1.6 km away, indicating a symbolic separation.

Historically, the Hardinge Road residence has been home to numerous leaders, including former ministers Ramsurat Rai, Samim Akhtar, Vinod Narayan Jha, and Chandramohan Rai.

Previous occupants assert that although the bungalow is ample for a typical family, it may not suffice for Rabri Devi’s larger family, potentially necessitating her to seek additional living arrangements.

The new residence features a two-storey structure comprising six spacious bedrooms (three on each floor), along with a drawing room, dining area, a large hall, dedicated office space, separate quarters for staff, servant accommodations, and security guard rooms.

The grounds also boast a vast garden filled with various trees including neem, peepal, amaltas, ashoka, mango, jamun, gulmohar, and oleander, along with flowering plants such as roses, marigolds, dahlias, harsingar, jasmine, and mogra. A kitchen garden is also included.

Political analysts interpret this decision as not merely administrative.

They argue that actions being taken now, which were absent over the past two decades, carry a clear political message.

This development suggests that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has firmly distanced himself from the Lalu family and is unlikely to revert to the RJD fold, even if future relations with the BJP deteriorate, according to political analysts.

The RJD has dismissed the decision as a manifestation of revenge politics.

JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar claimed that Lalu is ensnared in a web of illusions.

“This led to scams resulting in Lalu being imprisoned. Now, he finds himself in need of a government bungalow,” Neeraj Kumar asserted.

JD(U) National Spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan stated that this reallocation is in line with established protocols.

“This is a prescribed procedure. The Central Government allocates residences based on position. A new residence has been designated for Rabri Devi,” he explained.