Patna, June 6 (IANS) Amid the ongoing political controversy over the security arrangements of the Lalu family, JD(U) chief Tej Pratap Yadav visited the residence of his mother, former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, at 10 Circular Road after learning that she was unwell.

Outside the residence, several leaders and workers of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) were staging a sit-in protest against recent changes to the security cover for the family.

Speaking to the media after meeting his mother, Tej Pratap rejected reports that Rabri Devi had voluntarily returned the security personnel deployed at the residence.

According to him, the security staff had been under continuous pressure and were repeatedly informed that their deployment orders had been withdrawn.

“No one returned the security cover. The personnel themselves said their orders had been cancelled. My mother did not send them back,” Tej Pratap said.

He added that his primary reason for visiting was to check on Rabri Devi’s health, noting that the family was closely monitoring her condition.

Addressing the broader issue of security in Bihar, Tej Pratap Yadav said that the government should prioritise the safety of women and girls across the state.

He argued that protecting ordinary citizens, particularly women, should be the foremost responsibility of any administration and urged the government to take concrete steps in that direction.

The visit comes against the backdrop of a heated political debate following the reported downgrading of the ‘Z-plus’ security cover earlier provided to Rabri Devi and RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav after a security review.

The RJD has strongly criticised the decision, alleging political bias, while the government maintains that security arrangements are based on threat assessments and current constitutional positions.

The controversy has been further amplified by the dispute surrounding the family’s official residence at 10 Circular Road, where opposition leaders and party workers have continued to express their support.

Political observers note that Tej Pratap Yadav’s visit carried both personal and symbolic significance, highlighting family solidarity at a time when issues related to the Lalu family’s security and official residence remain at the centre of Bihar’s political discourse.

–IANS

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