A contentious eviction notice has placed former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi in a standoff with the current administration, culminating in a 15-day ultimatum to vacate her official residence at 10 Circular Road, Patna. The Bihar government, through the Building Construction Department (BCD), has issued multiple notices, asserting that Devi has not yet relinquished the property, which she has occupied for over two decades. The government claims a new, spacious bungalow at 39 Hardinge Road has been allocated for her, a property designated for high-ranking officials.
The refusal to vacate has ignited a sharp political debate. Devi’s daughter, Rohini Acharya, publicly challenged the Bihar Chief Minister on X (formerly Twitter), daring him to forcibly remove her mother. Meanwhile, RJD leader and Yadav’s son, Tej Pratap Yadav, has countered the eviction order by demanding that former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar first vacate his own government residence. This tit-for-tat suggests a deeper political maneuvering, with some suggesting the eviction is an attempt to distract from corruption allegations.
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Underlying Tensions and Speculations
The Bihar government has maintained that the eviction process is procedural, with BCD minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary confirming the allotment of the new bungalow and emphasizing its suitability. However, Congress spokesperson Rajesh Rathore has framed the issue as a tactic by the current government to divert public attention from various alleged scams, including a "Rishu Shri tender scam" and "mafia-inspired posting scandals." The JDU has drawn parallels between Devi's stance and that of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, labeling her the "another Mamata Banerjee of Bihar."
The long-standing occupation of the 10 Circular Road residence is a significant factor. Reports suggest a superstition may be influencing Devi's resistance to leaving the house. Her initial unawareness of her political future, which thrust her into the Chief Minister's role from a domestic background, is also noted as context for her deep attachment to the residence.
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Background: A Home for Two Decades
Rabri Devi has been living at the 10 Circular Road bungalow for over twenty years, a period that began when she served as Bihar’s Chief Minister. Her allotment was later reclassified under her position as Leader of the Opposition, allowing her to continue residing there until the recent notice. The property’s proximity to the Raj Bhavan and the Chief Minister’s house has been highlighted. Alongside her husband Lalu Prasad Yadav and son Tejashwi Yadav, Devi is currently facing trial in the IRCTC hotel corruption case, involving charges of cheating and criminal conspiracy.
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