BiharPolitics – Security Cover Scaled Back for Lalu, Rabri After Review
BiharPolitics – The Bihar government has revised the security arrangements provided to several prominent political figures after conducting a comprehensive assessment of VIP protection across the state. As part of the latest changes, former chief ministers Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi will no longer receive the highest-level Z-plus security cover that had been in place for them for years.
Security Arrangements Revised for Senior RJD Leaders
According to an official notification issued late Thursday, the state administration has withdrawn the Z-plus category protection previously assigned to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) patriarch Lalu Prasad and former chief minister Rabri Devi. Officials said the decision was made following a periodic review of security provisions granted to high-profile individuals in Bihar.
The revised arrangement places both leaders under the protection of the Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP), which will now be responsible for their security deployment.
What Changes Under the New Security Setup
Sources in the administration explained that Z-plus protection typically includes a specialized team of highly trained security personnel equipped with advanced weapons and dedicated resources. Under the new arrangement, Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi will continue to receive security support, though at a reduced level compared to the earlier category.
Officials stated that the current setup includes between two and eight BSAP personnel assigned as residential guards. In addition, two bodyguards from the Patna District Force will remain deployed for personal protection. A pilot vehicle and a bulletproof vehicle will also continue to be part of the security arrangement.
Security Withdrawal for Tej Pratap Yadav
The review has also affected Tej Pratap Yadav, the elder son of Lalu Prasad and leader of the Janshakti Janta Dal (JJD). The Bihar government has withdrawn the Y-category security cover that had been provided to him.
No separate explanation was issued regarding the withdrawal, with officials indicating that the decision was part of the broader assessment of VIP security requirements across the state.
Protection Continues for Tejashwi Yadav
While security levels have been reduced for some members of the Yadav family, the government has decided to maintain the existing Y-plus category security cover for Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav.
Tejashwi, who serves as a key opposition figure in Bihar politics and is the younger son of Lalu Prasad, will continue to receive the same level of protection as before.
Cover Retained for Misa Bharti and Rajshree Yadav
The state administration has also retained security arrangements for other members of the family. Rajya Sabha MP Misa Bharti, daughter of Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, will continue to receive her current security cover.
Similarly, Rajshree Yadav, wife of Tejashwi Yadav, will remain under the existing protection framework approved by the state government.
Periodic Reviews Part of Standard Procedure
Officials emphasized that assessments of VIP security are carried out periodically and are based on recommendations and evaluations conducted by the concerned departments. Such reviews determine whether existing security categories should be continued, upgraded, reduced, or withdrawn in accordance with prevailing circumstances and perceived security requirements.
The latest decision reflects the outcome of one such statewide review and marks a notable change in the protection arrangements for some of Bihar’s most prominent political personalities.