Bihar – Lalu Prasad Reacts as Security Cover Briefly Faces Downgrade
Bihar – Former Bihar chief minister and RJD president Lalu Prasad said he was unconcerned after the state government reduced the security cover provided to him and his wife, former chief minister Rabri Devi. Speaking to reporters, Lalu Prasad said he had no fear and described himself as a “lion of Bihar.”
Security Cover Restored After Political Reaction
The Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, had reportedly replaced the couple’s Z-plus security protection with guards from the Bihar Special Armed Police. The decision triggered criticism from the RJD, with party leaders raising questions over the move.
When asked whether the state leadership was deliberately targeting him and his family, Lalu Prasad gave a brief response, saying they could continue doing so. He also commented on the silence of former chief minister Nitish Kumar, stating that everyone appeared to be quiet on the matter.
The government later restored the earlier security arrangement. The episode has added to the political tension between the ruling administration and the opposition RJD in Bihar.
JD(U) Ministers Offer Different Views on Bhojpur Killing
A separate political dispute has surfaced within the Janata Dal (United) over the police encounter in Bhojpur district last month, in which a young man, Bharat Bhushan Tiwari, was killed.
The matter gained attention after senior JD(U) leader and state minister Ashok Choudhary visited Tiwari’s family in Bilauti village. During the visit, Choudhary expressed support for the family and called for justice in the case.
However, another senior JD(U) leader and minister, Shravan Kumar, later said that Choudhary’s comments should not be seen as the party’s official position. According to Kumar, Choudhary had visited the family in a personal capacity and his remarks did not represent the formal view of the JD(U).
The differing statements from two ministers have widened the debate around the encounter. The case has become a significant issue in the district, with questions being raised about the circumstances surrounding the death and the police action.
Bihar Plans Dedicated University for Arts and Culture
The Bihar government is also working on a proposal to establish a separate university focused on art, culture and traditional creative disciplines. The proposed Bihar University of Arts is expected to provide specialised education for students interested in music, dance, folk traditions and related fields.
Officials from the state’s art and culture department and education department are preparing the framework for the proposed institution. The initiative is part of a broader effort to expand specialised higher education facilities in Bihar.
The state has already developed institutions and programmes linked to engineering, medical education and sports. The proposed arts university would extend that approach to cultural education and creative training.
The government has said the institution would aim to support local talent while also creating structured academic opportunities in areas that have often remained outside mainstream university education. Courses are expected to cover a range of performing, visual and folk arts, though detailed academic plans have not yet been announced.
The proposal reflects Bihar’s growing focus on sector-specific universities as it seeks to widen access to professional and specialised education across the state.