Bihar ex-CMs Lalu and Rabri drop security after downgrade

In a significant political protest, former Bihar Chief Ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi have dismissed all security personnel from their Patna residence after the state government downgraded their top-tier security cover. The move, which occurred on Saturday, follows a government review of VIP protection and has escalated tensions between the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the ruling administration.

The state home department issued an order late Thursday withdrawing the Z-plus security cover for the two senior RJD leaders. Officials stated the decision followed a routine review of security for various protectees. Under the new arrangement, Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi will receive protection from the Bihar Special Armed Police, which includes two to eight house guards, two bodyguards from the Patna District Force, a pilot, and a bulletproof car.

Rejecting this revised security detail, the couple asked all assigned personnel to leave their government bungalow at 10 Circular Road in Patna. Their son, Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, also returned his Y-plus security cover in solidarity, despite the government retaining it due...