The political dispute over the government residence occupied by former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi has escalated. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary criticized the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leadership at a public gathering in Sheikhpura. Without naming individuals, he emphasized that official accommodations are for public servants, not personal or hereditary use. Choudhary stressed that government bungalows are not ancestral properties and should not be excessively attached to.
The Chief Minister highlighted that some political leaders are demanding separate residences for family members, neglecting public concerns. He urged public representatives to prioritize citizens’ welfare over retaining government housing post their terms. Choudhary shared his own example, mentioning that despite holding various ministerial positions, he never treated official residences as personal property. He emphasized the importance of public servants maintaining a distinction between public and private property.
Samrat Choudhary revealed that he had changed government residences eleven times since 1999. He compared his approach to former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, noting Kumar’s prompt vacation of the official residence upon demitting office. The controversy revolves around the government bungalow at 10 Circular Road in Patna, where Rabri Devi, Lalu Prasad Yadav, and Tejashwi Yadav reside. The Building Construction Department has instructed them to vacate within 15 days.
Authorities have allocated an alternative official residence to Rabri Devi at 39 Hardinge Road. Despite repeated requests, the family has not vacated the current accommodation. The dispute underscores the debate on the use of government residences by former officials and the need to adhere to official protocols.
