Union MSME Minister and founder of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), Jitan Ram Manjhi, commented on the Bihar government’s recent move to withdraw the ‘Z-plus’ security cover from Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi. Manjhi emphasized that security decisions are under the government’s purview and are made considering overall security needs. He suggested that objections should be raised respectfully rather than through agitation.
The Bihar Home Department, after a review by the State Security Committee on June 4, decided to revoke the ‘Z-plus’ security category for Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi. Additionally, the ‘Y’ category security for RJD President Lalu Prasad Yadav’s elder son Tej Pratap Yadav was also discontinued. The government justified its actions as administrative and based on the committee’s recommendations, not on political grounds.
The reduction in security for the RJD leaders has sparked criticism from the party, labeling it as politically motivated and vengeful towards senior Opposition figures. The decision has led to a dispute over the family’s official residence at 10 Circular Road, with opposition members staging protests. The state government, however, maintains that the security changes are routine administrative measures following official security protocols.
The security cover issue has emerged as a contentious topic in Bihar politics, with conflicting narratives from the ruling NDA and the opposition RJD regarding the security review process.
