Patna: In a significant political development, the building construction department on Friday allotted the 10, Circular Road official bungalow, long associated with former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, to Cabinet Minister Nand Kishore Ram, triggering strong protests from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).
Allotment and Official Communication
Nand Kishore Ram, who holds the portfolios of dairy, fisheries, and animal resources, belongs to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). An official letter that has gone viral on social media states that House No. 39, Hardinge Road, was earmarked for the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, Rabri Devi, long ago. However, she has not vacated the bungalow despite the fact that it has now been allotted to a minister, the letter notes.
“The 10, Circular Road bungalow has been allotted to a Bihar minister. As per the rule, its occupant is required to vacate it within a month of receiving the eviction notice. The delay is not an issue if the occupant's intention is clear,” said a senior building construction department official who wished not to be quoted.
RJD's Strong Reaction
Launching a bitter attack on the government for the bungalow allotment, the RJD accused the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) of insulting the former chief minister, whose family produced two chief ministers and whose party remained in power for 15 years. “The million-dollar question is why this bungalow is being allotted to a new minister while former CM Rabri Devi stayed there for more than 20 years,” asked chief RJD spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav in a video statement issued on Friday. “Perhaps the NDA wants to display its might. Well, that is okay, but power for anyone is not permanent; it keeps changing,” he warned.
JD(U)'s Response
However, the Janata Dal (United) questioned Rabri Devi's eagerness to stay in the bungalow despite her family owning many bungalows in Patna. “Lalu Prasad Ji owns so many bungalows in Patna, yet it is strange to know about the family's lust for this particular bungalow. Is there an underground vault there?” Neeraj Kumar, spokesperson for JD(U), joked, asking whether the Lalu family was angry because the bungalow was allotted to a minister from the Dalit community.
This development has intensified political tensions in Bihar, with the RJD vowing to continue its protest against what it perceives as an insult to its former leader.
