Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary criticised former Chief Minister Rabri Devi after she refused to leave the government bungalow at 10 Circular Road following an eviction notice. He stated that some individuals focus solely on retaining their household.
During the ‘Sahyog’ programme on June 2, the Chief Minister said, “I have served as Chief Minister and Minister on multiple occasions, and have even held charge of the Home Department; yet, despite this, I never resided in a government-allocated residence.”
He added that he did not seek the position from former CM Nitish Kumar but was asked to assume the role. “I lived in my own private residence, spanning 24 square feet. I became Chief Minister at the behest of the Prime Minister and Nitish Kumar. I had not sought the position from Nitish Kumar, but he personally asked me to assume the role of Chief Minister; and today, I am steering the state of Bihar in that capacity,” he said.
The Bihar government issued a notice on May 29 directing Rabri Devi to vacate the bungalow, which has been allotted to Bihar Minister for Animal and Fisheries Resources Nand Kishore Ram.
Chaudhary stated, “Upon stepping down from the Chief Minister’s seat, Nitish Kumar vacated the bungalow at 1 Anne Marg–such is the established rule of the government. Immediately upon moving into the Chief Minister’s residence, I took steps to have it designated as the ‘Public Servant’s Residence’ (Lok Sevak Awas). The Chief Minister’s residence belongs to the people. This place cannot be treated as anyone’s personal fiefdom or ancestral property; this is not a monarchy.”
He further asserted his commitment to public service: “The very day my party and my leaders decide that my tenure here has come to an end. On that very day, within 24 hours, I will pack my bags and return to my private home; I will never again reside in a government residence. I have come here to serve the welfare of the public, not for my own personal gain. Just as Nitish Kumar delivered good governance, this government–led by Samrat Chaudhary–will continue to work tirelessly for the betterment of the people,” he said.
Addressing the gathering in Sheikhpura, Chaudhary remarked, “This is not a monarchy where you simply continue to reside in the house that has been allotted to you. Today, the house I currently inhabit is the eleventh residence I have been assigned. I utilise the space solely for the purpose of running my official government office. However, some individuals develop a deep attachment to such things; the son demands a separate house, the mother demands a separate house, while the public is completely disregarded. We are here to serve the people. I assure you that within twenty-four hours of the conclusion of my tenure, Samrat Choudhary will pack up his belongings and return to his private residence. I will never continue to occupy a government-provided house.”
Regarding Rabri Devi, Bihar Minister Md Zama Khan told reporters, “I do not know much about the issue, but things should be done as per the law… One should work within the Constitutional framework.”
Janshakti Janta Dal founder Tej Pratap Yadav criticised the administration’s 15-day ultimatum to Rabri Devi for vacating 10 Circular Road, demanding that former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar vacate his government residence first. Speaking to ANI, Yadav said, “The residence of former CM Nitish Kumar should be vacated first. When he does, she will also vacate.”
After the government notice, Rabri Devi told reporters she would not leave the bungalow. She said, “They can call the force to vacate the place, but I will not vacate the place.”