Rabri Devi must vacate 10 Circular Road bungalow: Bihar minister
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bihar's Higher Education and Law Minister Sanjay Singh Tiger on Wednesday, 3 June, asked former Chief Minister Rabri Devi to vacate the government bungalow at 10 Circular Road in Patna and shift to the alternative residence already allotted to her by the state government. The renewed demand has sharpened an ongoing standoff between the ruling NDA and the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) over the high-profile official accommodation.
What the Law Minister said
Addressing reporters in Patna, Sanjay Singh Tiger argued that government bungalows are public assets, not private property, and must be vacated once alternative arrangements are in place. He described the continued reluctance to leave the premises as ‘childish obstinacy', adding that official residences are periodically reassigned for administrative reasons.
‘All public representatives are expected to comply with such decisions,' the minister said, asserting that the reallocation followed established procedure and was not driven by political considerations.
Government's position on opposition leaders
Responding to RJD's charge of political vendetta, the minister dismissed the allegation and said the state had extended every entitlement to opposition leaders, including Rabri Devi. He stated that separate accommodation, security cover, and other amenities had been provided, and that the newly allotted bungalow carried all necessary facilities.
Why the 10 Circular Road row matters
The bungalow at 10 Circular Road has long been associated with Rabri Devi and the family of RJD patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav, making it a politically loaded address in Bihar. The state government has issued earlier notices seeking its vacation, while the RJD camp has accused the ruling alliance of targeting political opponents ahead of a politically charged year.
Notably, disputes over official bungalows have flared repeatedly across states in recent years, with similar standoffs involving former chief ministers in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh ending only after court intervention.
Minister's remarks on Khan Sir coaching attack
During the same interaction, the minister also addressed the reported attack at the coaching institute run by Khan Sir. He assured that strict legal action would be taken and that no accused would be spared if found guilty.
Tiger said law enforcement agencies had been directed to pursue those responsible and reiterated the government's commitment to maintaining law and order with prompt action in criminal cases.
What happens next
With the NDA hardening its public posture and the RJD signalling pushback, the bungalow row is likely to head for another round of legal and political wrangling. Any further notice or eviction move could become a fresh flashpoint in Bihar's pre-election political theatre.