Rohini Acharya slams BJP over 10 Circular Road bungalow row in Patna
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
RJD leader Rohini Acharya has fired back at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the escalating dispute surrounding the government bungalow at 10 Circular Road, Patna, rejecting allegations that former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi's continued occupancy of the residence is linked to the caste identity of the minister allotted the property. The row, which has drawn sharp exchanges between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), has become one of Bihar's most charged political flashpoints of the season.
The Bungalow Dispute
The Bihar government has issued notices directing Rabri Devi to vacate 10 Circular Road, a residence long associated with her and RJD founder Lalu Prasad Yadav. The bungalow has since been allotted to Nand Kishore Ram, Bihar's Minister for Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources. Ram recently alleged that Rabri Devi's reluctance to vacate the premises was rooted in the fact that he belongs to the Dalit community — a charge that triggered an immediate and forceful rebuttal from the RJD.
Rohini Acharya's Counterattack
In a post on social media platform X, Rohini Acharya accused the BJP of harbouring an anti-Dalit mindset and firmly rejected the suggestion that her mother's stance on the bungalow matter was caste-driven. She argued that opposition to Dalits and discriminatory attitudes have historically been embedded in the BJP's ideological framework. Citing alleged incidents of atrocities against Dalits in various states — including a reported incident in Madhya Pradesh in 2025 — she contended that such episodes reflect a broader pattern that contradicts the BJP's stated commitment to social justice.
RJD's Record on Dalit Representation
Defending her parents, Rohini Acharya stated that Rabri Devi and Lalu Prasad Yadav had played a significant role in expanding political representation for Dalits, backward classes, and other marginalised communities in Bihar. She argued that under their leadership, numerous individuals from disadvantaged sections of society were elevated to positions as legislators, parliamentarians, and ministers — a legacy she said the BJP has no standing to question.
Political Motivations Alleged
Rohini further contended that Nand Kishore Ram's allegation was politically motivated, maintaining that the residence dispute should not be read through a caste lens. She claimed the pressure being exerted on Rabri Devi was ideological in nature, rooted in the broader rivalry between the RJD and the BJP. This comes amid a sustained NDA push in Bihar to reclaim government assets and reallocate official accommodations ahead of a politically sensitive period. The controversy has drawn reactions from leaders across the political spectrum and shows no signs of immediate resolution.