Former Bihar Chief Minister and eminent Socialist leader, late Karpoori Thakur will be posthumously awarded India’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna.
The announcement, made a day before Thakur’s 100th birth anniversary, is a touted as a fitting tribute to his legacy as a staunch advocate for the rights of the backward classes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing his elation, said that the recognition is a testament to Thakur’s enduring efforts as a champion for the marginalised and a stalwart of equality and empowerment.
Calling him a ‘Jan Nayak’, Modi wrote, “I am delighted that the Government of India has decided to confer the Bharat Ratna on the beacon of social justice, the great ‘Jan Nayak’ Karpoori Thakur Ji, and that too at a time when we are marking his birth centenary… His unwavering commitment to uplift the downtrodden and his visionary leadership have left an indelible mark on India’s socio-political fabric. This award not only honours his remarkable contributions but also inspires us to continue his mission of creating a more just and equitable society.”
The decision has garnered widespread support, especially from Bihar’s political landscape.
The ruling Janata Dal-United and various political leaders, including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, had been advocating for the prestigious recognition of the ‘Jan Nayak’ for his tireless dedication to the cause of the poor and downtrodden.
Thakur, hailing from Bihar’s Samastipur, served as the state’s chief minister for two terms.
His political journey began with the Praja Socialist Party, and he later aligned himself with the Janata Party during his initial tenure as Bihar’s Chief Minister from 1977 to 1979.
Thakur’s political affiliations evolved over time, and he eventually became associated with the Janata Dal, marking a significant transition in his political career.
Born on January 24, 1924, Karpoori Thakur passed away on February 17, 1988. The posthumous conferment of the Bharat Ratna stands as a tribute to his enduring impact on Indian politics and his unwavering commitment to social justice.
