Daijiworld Media Network - Patna

Patna, Nov 30: RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, once known for running Bihar’s most accessible and bustling political households, has now moved into a tightly regulated new residence — signalling a major shift in both his personal life and the party’s functioning.

For decades, Lalu’s homes at 1, Anne Marg and later 10, Circular Road were synonymous with open-door politics. Supporters, villagers, journalists, ministers and party workers walked in freely. The premises often resembled a public durbar, with crowds pouring in at all hours and festival gatherings turning into political meetings.

That era, however, appears to be drawing to a close.

Sources say strict entry protocols have now been introduced in Lalu’s new home. Visitors are screened, unplanned meetings are avoided, and even party cadres require prior approval. The priority is the RJD chief’s health and recovery, with medical teams visiting regularly and the home environment kept quiet to ensure rest. Political conversations are limited and brief.

During his chief ministerial years, 1, Anne Marg functioned almost like a daily grievance centre, where people queued up with petitions and ministers walked in without appointments. Later, 10, Circular Road became the family’s political hub during Rabri Devi’s tenure, with round-the-clock access for supporters and workers.

The shift to a more structured and controlled environment reflects the political transition underway in the RJD. Most organisational decisions, alliance discussions and strategy sessions are now led by Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav. While Lalu remains the ideological core of the party, the day-to-day leadership has clearly moved to the next generation.

For many long-time party workers, the change is emotional. The leader who embodied mass connect and open-door politics now lives in relative seclusion due to age, health issues and legal constraints. His new residence is being seen as the symbolic closing of a chapter in Bihar’s political history — and the beginning of a quieter, more strategic phase for the RJD under younger leadership.