Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief and former Union minister Lalu Prasad Yadav on Wednesday accused his long-time political rival Nitish Kumar of orchestrating the withdrawal of the Z+ security cover provided to his wife and former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi.
Speaking to reporters after returning from Singapore, Lalu alleged that the decision to downgrade the security cover was politically motivated.
"Yes, the security has been withdrawn. Nitish Kumar has orchestrated all of this," he said.
The controversy erupted after the State Security Committee reportedly decided to withdraw the Z+ category security cover extended to both Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, replacing it with what has been described as a "special arrangement".
The Z+ security cover had included a sizeable deployment of bodyguards, house guards and escort personnel.
Lalu had earlier criticised the Bihar government over the reduction in security and a notice asking the family to vacate the official residence at 10 Circular Road in Patna. He accused the government of acting out of political hostility and said those behind the decisions had "gone mad".
Also read: RJD workers guard Lalu-Rabri's home amid security row
The move has triggered strong reactions within the RJD, which has termed the decision an act of political vendetta ahead of the Assembly elections.
According to reports, Rabri Devi has sought a one-month extension to vacate the government residence.
In a dramatic response to the security downgrade, Rabri Devi reportedly dismissed all security personnel stationed at her residence on June 6, a day after the revised arrangements came into effect. She is said to have sent back not only her own security staff but also personnel assigned to Lalu Prasad.
The couple's daughter, Rohini Acharya, also attacked the state government, alleging harassment of the former chief minister and her family.
"The entire country and all of Bihar are witnessing how Bihar's first female Chief Minister and her family are being harassed. The people of Bihar will give a befitting reply to this vindictive action," she said.
The Bihar government has not yet publicly responded to the allegations levelled by the RJD leadership.
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