Bihar’s former CM Karpoori Thakur to get Bharat Ratna posthumously

The Central Government on Tuesday announced Bharat Ratna for former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur, just before his 100th birth anniversary. The decision comes after Janata Dal United (JDU) advocated for conferring Bharat Ratna on Karpoori Thakur; JDU expressed gratitude to the Modi government for the recognition.

Early life

Born in Pitaunjha village, Samastipur district, Karpoori Thakur cleared the Matric exam in 1940. He actively participated in the freedom struggle, aligning himself with Acharya Narendra Dev.

Socialist ideals

Emerging as a face of the socialist movement after his release from jail in 1945, Thakur aimed at eradicating societal discrimination and achieving independence from British rule.

Political journey

Elected as a legislator for the first time in 1952 from the Tajpur constituency, he later became a prominent leader in the United Socialist Party, leading to the formation of Bihar’s first non-Congress government in 1967.

Contribution as Deputy CM

When Mahamaya Prasad Sinha became the Chief Minister, Karpoori Thakur served as the Deputy CM and held the Education Ministry, abolishing student fees and ending the mandatory status of English.

Landmark reforms

During his tenure as Chief Minister, he implemented significant reforms, including ending malguzari on certain lands, providing 27% reservation to backward classes before the Mandal Commission movement, and granting Urdu the status of the state’s language.

Legacy

Karpoori Thakur’s political influence grew, marking him as a prominent figure in Bihar politics. He remains remembered for his dedication to social justice and his role as a key socialist leader in the Mandal movement.