PATNA: With the withdrawal of security guards from former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi’s residence snowballing into a political controversy, the state government on Thursday reinstated the security guards there and ordered that her security details be maintained as before.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar sought a report from senior officials of the state home department, which is under him, about the withdrawal of security personnel from the 10, Circular Road residence of the RJD leader in Patna. He also read the letter Rabri Devi, who is jailed RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav’s wife, had written to him on the issue a day before.
“Soon after returning from Karnataka, the CM went through the letter and sought a report on the changes made to Rabri Devi’s security cover on Tuesday night. He ordered reinstatement of security personnel,” said a source at the chief minister’s office.
Bihar’s ADGP (headquarters) SK Singhal had said on Wednesday that only the security personnel meant for Lalu Prasad Yadav were withdrawn because he has been in judicial custody. Singhal had said he was not aware who had issued the orders to recall the security personnel.
Government sources maintained that there are now a total 108 security personnel in 24-hour duty at the residence of Rabri Devi, who has Special Security Group (SSG) cover. While 56 of the security personnel are allotted to Rabri Devi, her son and Opposition leader Tejashwi has 27 guards. Her elder son and former health minister Tej Pratap Yadav has been given ten security personnel. There are also 15 Bihar Military Police (BMP) personnel meant for Lalu as house guards.
“Let the government explain under which circumstances the security guards were recalled. Let them come here and show where are the 106 security personnel at my residence. The government is lying,” said a livid Rabri Devi, who had returned her remaining security guards on Wednesday. Her move had also prompted at least 20 RJD legislators to return their security guards in solidarity.
Unimpressed by the government’s U-turn, Tejashwi Yadav piled more ridicule on the CM. “It is not for nothing that Nitish Kumar is known as Paltu Ram. He has once again gone back on his decision. He should make it clear who issued the earlier order to withdraw our security,” he said.
“This episode makes one wonder who other than Nitish Kumar is in charge of the government in Bihar. Nitish Kumar must come forward and clarify,” said Rajya Sabha member and RJD spokesperson Manoj Jha.