Rabri Devi’s official bungalow: The Bihar government has reclaimed the iconic 10 Circular Road bungalow from the Lalu Prasad family after nearly two decades. The location holds immense political significance for Lalu Yadav’s family. Tej Pratap Yadav has also been ordered to leave his government-allotted house, ‘the 26, M Strand Road bungalow’. The Building Construction Department has issued orders to evacuate as NDA has formed the government again in Bihar. RJD and Congress faced a massive defeat in Bihar elections.
About the Bungalow No. 10 on Circular Road
Bungalow No. 10 on Circular Road is located in the Civil Lines area of Patna. It is not just a house but also a part of Bihar’s political history. For almost twenty years, this old colonial-style mansion, with its large lawns, high-security walls, and many rooms, acted as the unofficial headquarters of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the main centre for the powerful political family of Lalu Yadav. The bungalow has served as a political base for Lalu Yadav’s family, from hosting major party decisions, visiting leaders to media briefings.
The bungalow was given as a perk of being in power. It saw both the successes of governance and the lows of political scandals. It also witnessed the constant changes in Bihar’s political alliances. Earlier, Tejashwi Yadav has legally fought to retain Lalu Yadav family’s residence 10 Circular Road.
Lalu Yadav family and the bungalow
The Lalu family has lived in the 10 Circular Road bungalow since 2006- a bungalow directly adjacent to the Chief Minister’s house. The residence was originally allotted to former Chief Minister Rabri Devi. After the Supreme Court ruled that former CMs cannot hold government bungalows, it was designated for the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, a post Rabri Devi held, allowing her to continue staying there.
The government has now cancelled this allotment and given her Bungalow No. 39, Hardinge Road. Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav, who also live at 10 Circular Road, are expected to move out, as Tejashwi primarily uses his official bungalow at 1 Polo Road as his office.
