Days after power slipped out of their hands, members and supporters of Bihar’s First Family could lose their perks, too.But while nearly 100 politicians and bureaucrats may have to vacate acommodation they are no longer entitled to, RJD supremo Laloo Prasad Yadav and his wife, outgoing chief minister Rabri Devi, could continue to occupy their two adjacent bungalows on Anne Marg and Dasrath Road.As far back as 2001, RJD had pushed through a law in the Bihar Assembly that entitled former chief ministers, who had completed five consecutive years in office, to a house. The law was drafted in such a manner that only Laloo and Rabri Devi qualified for the perk. This has now come in handy as Rabri Devi’s present home has not been designated as the Chief Minister’s official residence. However, some of their relatives and close followers will not be that fortunate. Among the RJD leaders facing eviction are Sadhu and Subhash Yadav — brothers of Rabri Devi and till recently among the most powerful men in the state. Union Ministers Taslimuddin, Akhilesh Singh and Jaya Prakash Yadav will also have to look for new homes. In fact, soon after Bihar came under President’s Rule, the state’s Chief Secretary had initiated proceedings to evict the bigwigs occupying property that they were not entitled to. Today, the Patna High Court added to the momentum by telling the buildings department to report on March 21 about what it had done to vacate government houses. This may make it particularly difficult for Sadhu and Subhash to continue in their homes. Both have occupied ministerial bungalows ever since they became legislators. They have added outhouses and offices to their mansions. Even after Sadhu was elected to the Lok Sabha and Subhash to the Rajya Sabha, they refused to vacate their posh government accommodation in Patna. Union Ministers Taslimuddin, J P Yadav and Akhilesh Singh also refused to let go their Patna manions despite being given accommodation in New Delhi. Suddenly, these men find themselves answerable. ‘‘I have written to the officials of the Assembly and the Council to get the houses in their pools vacated,’’ said K A H Subramanian, Chief Secretary. There could be more trouble to follow. Many of these politicians have run up huge electricity bills, which they will now have to clear. Hearing a public interest litigation filed by M P Gupta, the Patna High Court directed the state government to charge rent from illegal occupants at market rates. Justice Nagendra Rai and S N Khan also ordered the Buildings Department Secretary to be present in court on March 21 to report on what action had been taken. It all seems a far cry from the days when a former chief minister continued living in his small quarter at Patna Veterinary College for several months after taking over the state’s top job. Today the same man lives on an estate with two bungalows, an outhouse, an auditorium and a swimming pool and may continue to do so. His name: Laloo Prasad Yadav.
