Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav was seen moving around the streets of Patna without any visible police escort or security convoy. This incident has sparked a new round of political discussions regarding the Bihar government’s recent decision to reduce security measures for opposition leaders. Videos of the event quickly circulated on social media and among political circles, capturing Lalu Prasad Yadav traveling in a vehicle without his usual security team.
The situation unfolded just a day after his return to Patna from Delhi. The issue gained attention following the Bihar government’s choice to downgrade the ‘Z+’ category security cover that was previously provided to Lalu Prasad Yadav and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi after a review of VIP security arrangements. The security detail for former minister Tej Pratap Yadav was also lessened. However, the security arrangements for Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav and Rajya Sabha MP Misa Bharti were maintained under the revised framework.
In response to the government’s actions, members of the Lalu family reportedly sent back the newly assigned security personnel stationed at their residence. Consequently, RJD workers were observed taking on security duties around the residence, with numerous photos and videos of party members standing guard circulating on social media. Tejashwi Yadav and Misa Bharti, upon their return from Delhi, strongly criticized the Bihar government and Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary regarding the security matter.
Tejashwi Yadav accused the government of politically motivated security reductions aimed at opposition figures, alleging that the state administration was jeopardizing the safety of the Lalu family as part of a political vendetta. Misa Bharti also raised concerns about the security arrangements for her family members, questioning the state’s decision. Meanwhile, the Bihar government refuted claims of political bias, asserting that the security adjustments were part of a routine review of VIP security protocols. Officials clarified that Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi still have security in place through the Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP) and other mechanisms under the revised system.
