Patna, June 6 (IANS) Union MSME Minister and founder of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), Jitan Ram Manjhi, on Saturday reacted to the Bihar government’s decision to withdraw the ‘Z-plus’ security cover earlier provided to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi.

Speaking to reporters, Manjhi said that matters relating to security fall within the government’s authority and are decided after considering overall security requirements.

“The government takes decisions keeping everyone’s security in mind. Providing security and making changes to it are matters within the government’s jurisdiction. If anyone has objections, they should respectfully place their concerns before the government. Launching an agitation over the issue is not appropriate,” he added.

The Bihar Home Department recently issued an order withdrawing the ‘Z-plus’ security category for Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi following a review by the State Security Committee.

According to the Bihar government, the decision was based on recommendations made during the committee’s meeting held on June 4.

The order also reportedly discontinued the ‘Y’ category security earlier provided to RJD President Lalu Prasad Yadav’s elder son Tej Pratap Yadav.

The RJD has criticised the move, alleging that the reduction in security is “politically motivated” and reflects a spirit of vendetta against senior Opposition leaders.

RJD leaders have said that curtailing the security of political leaders such as Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi sends the wrong message and have questioned the timing of the decision.

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 and sat on protest.

The state government, however, has said that the changes are purely administrative and are based on the recommendations of the official security review mechanism, rather than political considerations.

The issue has become one of the latest flashpoints in Bihar politics, with both the ruling NDA and the opposition RJD presenting sharply contrasting narratives over the security review.

–IANS

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