Former Bihar CM Rabri Devi Defiant: "Evict Me by Force" Over Patna Bungalow Row

The political temperature in Bihar has reached a boiling point as a standoff over a government bungalow takes center stage. Former Chief Minister and RJD leader Rabri Devi has been served a 15-day ultimatum to vacate her long-time residence at 10, Circular Road in Patna. However, she isn't going down without a fight, openly challenging the state government to evict her by force.

This residence, which Ms. Devi has called home for over two decades, was recently allotted to Minister Nandkishor Ram. The Building Construction Department (BCD) has sent multiple notices, but the RJD leader remains defiant. Over the weekend, she made it clear that she has no intention of moving, despite the government’s escalating pressure and the second official notice served to her.

The situation has taken a sharp turn into identity politics. Minister Nandkishor Ram, a BJP leader, has alleged that the refusal to vacate is rooted in discrimination. He claimed that Ms. Devi is refusing to hand over the keys because he comes from the Dalit community, describing his identity as a "curse" in this situation. He suggested that there was no other reason for the refusal other than his background.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has quickly hit back at these accusations. Party spokespeople furnished official documents showing that Minister Ram was initially allotted a different residence on Harding Road earlier in May. They questioned why the government suddenly changed the allotment to the Circular Road bungalow just two weeks later. The RJD suggests that this move is a calculated political narrative designed to portray the opposition in a negative light and that the Minister is acting at the behest of the government.

While the government insists on the 15-day deadline, the RJD argues that the frequent changes in housing assignments suggest malicious intent. This isn't the first time the issue has surfaced; Ms. Devi was reportedly asked to move as early as November last year. With the new ultimatum looming, all eyes are on Patna to see if the authorities will actually take the step to reclaim the iconic bungalow by force.

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