The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) launched a fierce attack on the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government on Wednesday, condemning its decision to demolish the existing Bihar Nivas building in New Delhi and construct a new structure in its place. The principal opposition party alleged the move is a politically motivated attempt to erase the legacy of former Chief Minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, whose name is engraved on a plaque at the building.
The Core Allegation: Erasing Lalu's Legacy
RJD spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav spearheaded the criticism, claiming the sole reason behind the proposed demolition is the presence of Lalu Prasad's name on the foundation plaque. The existing Bihar Nivas was inaugurated by Lalu Prasad in April 1994 during his tenure as the Chief Minister of Bihar. Yadav asserted that the 32-year-old building remains structurally sound, with no issues like leakage, and is capable of standing strong for another five to six decades.
"The issue is only Lalu Prasad's name on the plaque which the government wants to remove," Yadav alleged. He accused Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of being driven by a "despicable political mindset and jealousy." In a vivid accusation, Yadav stated, "Whenever vehicles are parked in the portico, the eyes of those in power fall on that name (Lalu Prasad's) and they get restive."
A Costly Endeavour for a Debt-Ridden State
The RJD spokesperson framed the issue as a massive financial misstep for Bihar. He claimed the demolition and reconstruction project, estimated to cost over Rs 500 crore, is an unjustifiable burden on the state's poor economy. Yadav presented stark figures, stating that every citizen in Bihar is under a debt of approximately Rs 25,000.
He further highlighted the state's fiscal strain, noting, "From the state treasury, Rs 62 crore daily and approximately Rs 28,000 crore annually are being spent just to pay interest on debts." Questioning the rationale, he asked, "Where is the justice in wasting the hard-earned money of such a poor state merely to satisfy one's jealousy?"
JD(U)'s Rebuttal: Expanding Facilities, Not Erasing History
The ruling Janata Dal (United) swiftly dismissed the RJD's allegations. JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar clarified that the decision to rebuild is purely practical, aimed at addressing space constraints. He explained that the current Bihar Nivas has limited rooms but faces high demand due to its prime location near the Central Secretariat in Delhi.
"The idea is to increase the number of its rooms to help the people in need," Kumar stated. Denying any intent to obliterate the former CM's identity, he pointed out that institutions like the Beur jail in Patna and Charwaha Vidyalaya in the state still carry Lalu Prasad's name. "Why would we finish his legacy?" he countered.
The controversy has ignited a fresh political firestorm, pitting the former allies against each other. While the JD(U) maintains the project is an infrastructural upgrade, the RJD insists it is a wasteful expenditure fueled by political rivalry, setting the stage for a prolonged debate in Bihar's charged political landscape.
