Lalu Family Claims 'Public is Shield' Amid Security Downgrade

In a sharp response to the Bihar government's decision to scale back the security of Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi, their daughter Rohini Acharya has lashed out at the BJP-JDU alliance. Acharya stated that there is no point in keeping 'showpiece' security if the government intends to undermine the safety of veteran leaders. She asserted that the millions of people in Bihar constitute the true 'security shield' for the Lalu family. This emotional and political defense comes at a time when the RJD is accusing the state government of playing politics with the physical safety of its political rivals. Acharya warned that the incumbent government would be held responsible if any harm came to the family members. On the other hand, the BJP has defended the administrative decision. Bihar BJP State President Sanjay Sarawagi clarified that security levels are determined by specialized committees at the district and state levels based on threat perceptions. Sarawagi argued that the RJD is treating security personnel as a status symbol rather than a safety necessity. He emphasized that as former Chief Ministers, Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi are still entitled to significant protection under the law, and the government is not completely withdrawing their cover. The clash of narratives continues to dominate Bihar’s political discourse, with the RJD successfully turning a technical security update into a major issue of political identity.