Security – Bihar Restores Z Category Cover for Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi
Security – The Bihar government has reinstated Z category security cover for Rashtriya Janata Dal president Lalu Prasad Yadav and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi. The decision was formally issued on Saturday through an order of the Special Branch under the state Home Department.
The upgraded cover follows a recommendation made by the State Security Committee. Both leaders will receive enhanced protection, including a bullet-resistant vehicle and a specialised Headquarters Reaction Team, commonly known as HQRT.
Revised protection for senior RJD leaders
The restored Z category cover represents a change in the security arrangements for the two veteran leaders. Under the revised protocol, personnel assigned to their protection will operate with additional security resources aimed at responding quickly to any potential threat.
Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi remain prominent figures in Bihar politics, and the decision comes at a time when political activity in the state has intensified ahead of future electoral developments. The government order did not publicly elaborate on the specific assessment behind the committee’s recommendation.
Earlier withdrawal of Z-plus cover
The latest order comes weeks after their security cover was reduced. On June 6, security personnel posted outside the couple’s residence at 10 Circular Road in Patna were asked to leave after the Bihar government withdrew their Z-plus security arrangement.
At that time, Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi reportedly sent back the remaining guards deployed outside the residence following changes to the official security protocol. The move drew political attention because the residence has long been associated with the RJD leadership.
The reinstatement of Z category security does not restore the earlier Z-plus arrangement, but it provides a substantial protective detail for both leaders. The addition of a bulletproof vehicle and an HQRT unit is expected to strengthen their movement and residence security.
Residence allotment issue remains in focus
The security decision has emerged alongside an ongoing dispute over the government accommodation at 10 Circular Road. The Bihar government has asked Rabri Devi to vacate the bungalow, which has been allotted to state minister Nand Kishore Ram.
According to the government’s notice, Rabri Devi had already been assigned another official residence on Hardinge Road. The accommodation was allotted to her in her capacity as the Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Council, but she had not shifted to the new address.
The issue has become part of the wider political debate over government housing for former chief ministers and senior public representatives in Bihar.
Samrat Chaudhary comments on official residences
Earlier, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary spoke about the matter at a public programme in Sheikhpura. He said official residences belong to the public and should not be viewed as private or inherited property.
Chaudhary said he had vacated government accommodation within 24 hours after his own tenure ended. His remarks were seen as a response to the broader discussion surrounding former office-holders continuing to occupy official premises.
While the residence matter remains unresolved, the restoration of Z category protection gives Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi a renewed security arrangement approved by the state administration. The development is likely to remain under political scrutiny as Bihar’s major parties prepare for the next phase of electoral activity.