Patna: The Centre on Monday downgraded RJD chief Lalu Prasad's security cover from Z-plus to Z, sparking a war of words between his party and the BJP.

Lalu will no longer be protected by NSG commandos, but by 35 CRPF jawans. Lalu said he tried to talk to Rajnath Singh but the Union home minister was not available on phone. "The Union home secretary told me he was not aware of the move," the RJD chief said.

The RJD chief said it was "a threat and a conspiracy against me".

Deputy chief minister Sushil Modi quipped in response: "People are scared of Lalu. Who does he fear? The NSG cover is given on threat perception, which is reviewed every three months. There is no political motivation."

Lalu got NSG cover during the UPA 1 regime. His wife Rabri Devi also had Z-plus security then.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav pointed out that BJP MLA Gyanendra Singh Gyanu is also protected by CRPF jawans. "Are Lalu Prasad and Gyanendra Singh Gyanu of the same stature?" Lalu's younger son asked. Elder brother Tej Pratap threatened to "skin PM Modi" if anything happens to their father.

The Centre on Monday also withdrew the Z-plus CRPF security cover for former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, who will now be protected by Bihar police - like CM Nitish Kumar is. "I am on the Maoists' hitlist," complained Manjhi. "It's the government's job to give me security."

Bihar is planning to create a 535-personnel force dedicated for security of the chief minister and ex-CMs for up to five years after demitting office. Manjhi will be covered by that force, but not Lalu or Rabri.