Karpoori Thakur, the former Chief Minister of Bihar, is set to receive the prestigious Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honor in the country. Known for his roles as a freedom fighter, teacher, and politician, Thakur served as the second Deputy Chief Minister and held the position of Chief Minister in Bihar twice. His widespread popularity earned him the title of a public hero.
Who was Karpoori Thakur?
He was seen as a leader who championed social justice in Bihar’s politics. Despite being born into a humble barber family, he dedicated his political career to opposing the Congress. Remarkably, during the Emergency period, he managed to avoid arrest despite attempts by Indira Gandhi’s government.
Karpoori Thakur served as the Chief Minister in the years 1970 and 1977:
In 1970, Thakur became the Chief Minister of Bihar for the first time, taking charge on December 22. However, his initial term lasted only 163 days. Despite the Janata Party’s significant victory in the 1977 elections, he became Chief Minister for the second time but couldn’t finish his full term. Even during his brief tenure of less than two years, he actively worked for the welfare of the underprivileged in society.
In Bihar, Thakur introduced free education up to the matriculation level and mandated the use of Hindi in all state departments. His initiatives aimed at benefiting the impoverished, backward, and extremely backward communities brought about a transformative shift in Bihar’s political landscape. As a result, Karpoori Thakur’s political influence soared, establishing him as a prominent figure in the realm of socialism within Bihar’s politics.
Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar follow the teachings of Thakur:
Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar, engaged in socialist politics in Bihar, are considered followers of Thakur. During the Janata Party period, both Lalu and Nitish imbibed the nuances of politics under the guidance of Karpoori Thakur. When Lalu Yadav assumed power in Bihar, he continued the legacy of Karpoori Thakur. Similarly, Nitish Kumar also undertook various initiatives to support the extremely backward community during his tenure.
Karpoori Thakur holds a significant place in Bihar politics:
Karpoori Thakur remains a significant figure in Bihar’s politics, as per election analysts. Despite his passing in 1988, his popularity endures among the backward and extremely backward voters, constituting around 52 percent of Bihar’s population. Recognizing this influence, political parties frequently invoke Karpoori Thakur’s name to connect with these voters. In 2020, the Congress even pledged to establish ‘Karpoori Thakur Suvidha Kendra’ in its manifesto, highlighting the enduring impact of his legacy on Bihar’s political landscape.
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