A fresh political controversy has erupted in Bihar after former chief minister and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Rabri Devi, refused to vacate the government bungalow at 10 Circular Road in Patna despite a directive from the state government.
Making her position clear, Rabri Devi said she would not leave the residence under any circumstances and challenged the authorities to evict her by force.
“Bring in the police force and get it vacated. We will not leave it,” she said after returning to Patna from Delhi on Friday, where she had attended the birthday celebrations of her grandson, Iraj Lalu Yadav.
The bungalow at 10 Circular Road has long been regarded as a politically significant address in Bihar and has served for years as an important centre of activities for the Rashtriya Janata Dal. Closely associated with the family of RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav, the residence is viewed by party leaders as carrying both political and emotional significance.
The dispute resurfaced after the RJD’s defeat in the Bihar Assembly elections and the formation of a new government headed by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. Following the change in government, the administration directed that the bungalow be vacated.
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The controversy intensified after the Building Construction Department issued a fresh order on May 29 allotting the residence to Nand Kishore Ram, the minister for Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development.
The move has sparked a sharp exchange between the ruling alliance and the opposition RJD. Party spokesperson Shakti Yadav accused the government of political vendetta and misuse of power, arguing that the bungalow’s historical significance and Rabri Devi’s constitutional position warranted a different approach.
The ruling alliance rejected the allegations. BJP spokesperson Kuntal Krishna said repeated requests had been made to vacate the residence and questioned the continued refusal to comply with government orders.
“Nobody knows what they have kept hidden inside 10 Circular Road,” he said, further escalating the political confrontation.
With neither side showing signs of backing down, the dispute over one of Bihar’s most politically symbolic addresses has emerged as the latest flashpoint between the ruling National Democratic Alliance and the opposition RJD, setting the stage for a prolonged political battle.
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