Patna: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav travelled on the streets of Patna without a visible police escort or security convoy on Wednesday.
This has triggered a fresh political debate over the Bihar government’s recent decision to scale down security arrangements of opposition leaders.
Videos of the incident quickly went viral on social media and in political circles, showing Lalu Prasad Yadav travelling in a vehicle without his usual security convoy.
The development comes just a day after he returned to Patna from Delhi.
The issue has gained significance following the recent decision of the Bihar government to withdraw the ‘Z+’ category security cover previously provided to Lalu Prasad Yadav and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, following a review of VIP security arrangements.
The security cover of former minister Tej Pratap Yadav was also reduced.
However, the security arrangements for Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav and Rajya Sabha MP Misa Bharti were retained under the revised framework.
Following the government’s move, members of the Lalu family reportedly returned the newly deployed security personnel stationed at their residence.
Subsequently, RJD workers were seen handling security responsibilities around the residence, with several photos and videos of party workers standing guard circulating on social media.
After returning from Delhi on Tuesday, Tejashwi Yadav and Misa Bharti sharply criticised the Bihar government and Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary over the security issue.
Tejashwi Yadav alleged that the reduction in security was politically motivated and aimed at targeting opposition leaders. He claimed that the state government was attempting to compromise the safety of the Lalu family as part of a political vendetta.
Misa Bharti also questioned the state’s decision and expressed concern over the security arrangements for her family members.
Meanwhile, the Bihar government has rejected allegations of political bias and maintained that the decision was part of a routine review of VIP security protocols.
According to government sources, Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi have not been left without protection. Officials stated that security arrangements through the Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP) and other mechanisms continue to remain in place under the revised system.
(IANS)
