INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Nitish Kumar was away in Bengaluru yesterday in connection with poll preparations of his party
residence of former chief minister Rabri Devi, a day after the latter "returned" the state security cover in protest against withdrawal of
guards from her residence in Patna.Rabri Devi, however, refused to accept the restoration of security until she received a suitable
explanation for the earlier action.Mr Kumar directed the state home department to explain "when, why and at what level" was the decision
taken for changing the security arrangements in place, at the residence allotted "for life to two former chief ministers" - Rabri Devi and
her husband, jailed RJD chief, Lalu Yadav."The letter from Rabri Devi was brought to the notice of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar upon his
arrival in Patna today," an official release said.Rabri Devi had shot off a letter to Mr Kumar yesterday, stating that she wished to
"return" the security at her 10, Circular Road residence after recall of some of the guards around Tuesday midnight.The state government had
said that the guards, who were recalled from Rabri Devi's residence, had been deputed for Lalu Yadav
It clarified that the decision to withdraw the security cover was taken because Lalu Yadav has been away since his conviction in a fodder
from her residence.However, RJD leaders had cried foul, alleging that there was a conspiracy to harass, and even eliminate Lalu Yadav's
family.They also pointed out that the withdrawal of security had come within hours of Rabri Devi's interrogation by the CBI in connection
with a railway hotels scam.The chief minister, who is also the national president of Janata Dal (United), was away in Bengaluru yesterday in
connection with poll preparations of his party, which is contesting a number of seats in the upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections."The
chief minister took note of Rabri Devi's letter and asked the home department to explain when, why and what level was the decision taken to
change security arrangements in place at 10, Circular Road, which is a government bungalow allotted for life to two former chief ministers,"
the release said."The Chief Minister also issued instructions for restoration of the security arrangements that were in place," it
said.However, reacting to the development, Rabri Devi told reporters, "I need no security
The people of Bihar and workers of my party will take care of my safety
But if anything untoward happens to any member of my family, the state government shall be held responsible"."I demand an explanation from
the government, headed by Nitish Kumar and (Deputy CM) Sushil Kumar Modi as to why and at what level a decision for such a spiteful action
was taken in the first place
Only then will I decide whether or not to accept restoration of security arrangements," she said.When pointed out that security personnel
and escort vehicles had already arrived outside her residence, she said, "They are standing on a public road
I have nothing to do with that".
