By IANS
Patna : The Bihar government has withdrawn the security cover of opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief and Railway Minister Lalu Prasad.
The withdrawal of the security cover forced the central minister to drive in a private vehicle to the official residence of his wife Rabri Devi, Leader of Opposition in the assembly, when he arrived here Friday night.
Official sources said the security was withdrawn after Inspector General (Security) R.K. Singh issued an order.
The government’s decision comes barely five days after Lalu Prasad held a massive RJD rally here where he vowed to oust the Nitish Kumar government.
“Lalu was shocked when he was informed by his party leaders that his security cover had been withdrawn. He then agreed to drive to his wife’s residence in a private vehicle without a red beacon light,” an RJD leader said Saturday.
According to police sources, they have withdrawn six vehicles, including a bullet-proof car used as Lalu Prasad’s escort, along with over 30 security personnel provided to him as a former chief minister.
“The government has withdrawn some official cars and security personnel engaged in providing security to Lalu Prasad,” a senior official told a website Saturday.
Last year, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government had refused to provide Z-plus security to Rabri Devi, former Bihar chief minister, on the plea that it could not bear the expenses.
In early 2000 during the RJD rule, a Bihar Special Security Group Act was implemented that entitled all former chief ministers to security cover by the state government for at least five years from the day they demit office.
RJD leader Shakeel Ahmad Khan said Lalu Prasad faces threat from outlawed Maoist outfits like the Communist Party of India-Maoist, Ranvir Sena, a private militia of landed upper castes, besides some communal forces and gangsters due to his bold steps against these forces.
“Everyone knows that Lalu faces threat from several quarters,” Khan said.
According to RJD leaders, soon after the Nitish Kumar government assumed power, the state government initiated a move to curtail the security cover of Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi.
“None other than Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi announced that there is no threat to the couple and hence there is no need for security cover to them,” an RJD leader said.
Lalu Prasad was chief minister from 1990 to 1997 and Rabri Devi from 1997 to 2005.