Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) workers are guarding the Patna residence of former Bihar chief ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi with sticks.
The move follows the state government's decision to withdraw the leaders' Z-plus security cover [1]. This development highlights the deepening friction between the RJD and the state administration over the perceived targeting of opposition figures.
The Bihar government withdrew the Z-plus protection following a routine review of VIP security arrangements [2]. In place of the top-tier cover, the government offered a lower Y-category security arrangement [3].
Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi rejected the Y-category offer [3]. Following this refusal, RJD workers gathered at the bungalow in Patna to take over guard duties using sticks [1].
Party members said the downgrade is a result of political vendetta [2]. The RJD has characterized the security change not as a routine administrative update, but as a deliberate attempt to undermine the safety and status of the former chief ministers.
The residence in Patna remains the center of the protest as workers continue to maintain a vigil [1]. The state government has not issued a further statement regarding the refusal of the Y-category cover [3].
“RJD workers are guarding the Patna residence of former Bihar chief ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi with sticks.”
The rejection of state-provided security in favor of party volunteers is a symbolic act of defiance. By replacing professional security with party workers, the RJD is transforming a security downgrade into a political rally, framing the government's administrative review as political persecution to galvanize its base in Bihar.
