Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Tuesday, 7 July brushed aside concerns over his security downgrade, declaring he has 'no problem' with it and describing himself as a 'lion of Bihar.' The remarks came amid a broader political churn in Patna, days after former Chief Minister Rabri Devi vacated the family's long-held government bungalow at 10 Circular Road.

Lalu's Response to the Security Downgrade

Speaking to reporters on the security downgrade, Lalu Yadav said, 'I am a lion of Bihar, and I don't have any problem.' His defiant tone signalled that the RJD chief has no intention of making the issue a public grievance, even as the development drew attention in Bihar's political circles.

When asked about alleged political targeting by Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Lalu was equally dismissive, saying simply, 'Let them target.' On the conspicuous silence of former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over the matter, he remarked, 'Yes, everyone is silent.'

Tejashwi at the Helm

Asked whether Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav was steering the party effectively in his father's absence from the frontlines, Lalu said, 'Yes, he is taking the party forward well. There is no problem.' The endorsement, though brief, is notable given ongoing speculation about generational transition within the RJD.

End of an Era at 10 Circular Road

The security remarks followed a symbolically significant development. On 2 July, Rabri Devi vacated the government bungalow at 10 Circular Road, Patna — a residence she had occupied since 2 February 2006, spanning nearly two decades. She was accompanied by Lalu Yadav as the family shifted to their private residence in Kautilya Nagar.

The bungalow had been allotted to Rabri Devi in her capacity as Leader of the Opposition — first in the Bihar Legislative Assembly and subsequently in the Bihar Legislative Council. Over the years, it evolved into the de facto nerve centre of RJD politics, hosting key Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) meetings and serving as the venue where several pivotal political decisions were made. 10 Circular Road had become virtually synonymous with the RJD's political identity in Bihar.

Inventory Dispute Before Handover

Before vacating the premises, Rabri Devi raised concerns about the official inventory of government property. She wrote to the Building Construction Department seeking the original charge register and inventory list prepared when the residence was allotted to her in 2006. According to sources, the department had not yet provided the original documents at the time of her departure.

Rabri Devi maintained that the inventory needed to be verified before the formal handover to prevent any future disputes over government property. Despite the unresolved paperwork, she vacated the bungalow. As the current Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Council, she has been allotted an official residence at 39 Harding Road, though the family has, for now, chosen to stay at their private home in Kautilya Nagar.

Political Significance

This comes amid a period of visible pressure on the Lalu family — a security downgrade, the loss of a politically iconic address, and questions about the RJD's organisational strength ahead of future electoral contests. Notably, the bungalow's departure marks the first time in nearly 20 years that the family has operated without that symbolic seat of power. How the RJD navigates this transition — both politically and symbolically — will be closely watched in Bihar.