Bihar CM says govt residences aren’t ‘ancestral property’
PATNA: The political battle over former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi’s official residence intensified on Tuesday, with Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary launching a sharp attack on the RJD leadership and declaring that government bungalows cannot be treated as “ancestral property” or personal estates.
Addressing a public gathering in Sheikhpura, Choudhary defended the government’s decision to ask Rabri Devi to vacate the bungalow at 10 Circular Road and said public office-bearers must respect established rules once their tenure ends. The remarks come days after the Bihar government issued a notice directing the former chief minister to vacate the residence, which has since been allotted to Animal and Fisheries Resources Minister Nand Kishore Ram.
“The Chief Minister’s residence belongs to the people. This place cannot be treated as anyone’s personal fiefdom or ancestral property. This is not a monarchy,” Choudhary said while addressing the gathering.
The Bihar CM sought to draw a contrast between his own conduct and that of political rivals, saying he had occupied several official residences during his political career but never considered them personal property.
“I have served as Chief Minister, minister and Home Minister, but I never lived in a government residence as if it belonged to me. I have shifted residences multiple times and use them only for official work,” he said.
Choudhary also referred to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s past conduct, saying Kumar vacated the official residence whenever he demitted office and followed government rules without waiting for notices.
The controversy centres on the government bungalow at 10 Circular Road in Patna, where Rabri Devi and members of the Lalu Prasad Yadav family currently reside.
The Building Construction Department issued a notice on May 29 directing Rabri Devi to vacate the premises within 15 days. According to the government, the bungalow has now been allotted to minister Nand Kishore Ram.
Officials have also said that an alternative official residence has been allotted to Rabri Devi at 39 Hardinge Road. The administration maintains that notices regarding the accommodation had previously been issued, but the premises have not been vacated.
The row escalated after Rabri Devi publicly rejected the government’s directive and said she would not leave the bungalow.
“They can call the force to vacate the place, but I will not vacate the place,” the former chief minister told reporters.
Her stand has triggered a fresh political confrontation between the ruling NDA and the opposition RJD ahead of a politically significant period in Bihar.
Janshakti Janta Dal founder Tej Pratap Yadav also entered the debate, questioning why attention was focused on Rabri Devi’s residence.
Speaking to ANI, he said Nitish Kumar should vacate his government residence first.
“The residence of former CM Nitish Kumar should be vacated first. When he does, she will also vacate,” Yadav said.
Agencies