Unveiling Karpuri Thakur: A Contender for Bharat Ratna
Bihar’s esteemed former Chief Minister, Karpuri Thakur, has been nominated for the prestigious Bharat Ratna award. Serving as Bihar’s Chief Minister twice, Karpuri Thakur carved a significant place in the state’s political history.
A Journey through Karpuri Thakur’s Political Odyssey
Karpuri Thakur was a political leader in Bihar who fought for social justice. Born into an ordinary barber family, Thakur defied the odds to establish himself in anti-Congress politics, even escaping arrest during the tumultuous Emergency period led by Indira Gandhi.
Stints as Chief Minister: 1970 and 1977
In 1970, Karpuri Thakur assumed the role of Bihar’s Chief Minister for the first time. His initial tenure lasted a mere 163 days. Despite the Janata Party’s landslide victory in 1977, Karpuri Thakur returned for a second term as Bihar’s Chief Minister. Unfortunately, this tenure was also cut short. However, in these brief periods, he tirelessly worked for the welfare of marginalized communities, bringing about transformative changes in Bihar’s political landscape.
Educational Reforms and Social Initiatives
Karpuri Thakur implemented groundbreaking policies, such as providing free education up to the matriculation level and making Hindi mandatory in all state departments. His focus on the rights of the poor, backward classes, and extremely marginalized communities reshaped Bihar’s political narrative. Karpuri Thakur’s governance was undeniably impactful, and he gained widespread recognition as a prominent socialist leader in Bihar.
Influence on Lalu Yadav and Nitish Kumar
The political heirs of Karpuri Thakur, Lalu Prasad Yadav, and Nitish Kumar, have continued his legacy in socialist politics in Bihar. Learning from Thakur’s astute political maneuvers, both Lalu and Nitish have drawn inspiration from his tenure as Chief Minister.
Perpetual Relevance in Bihar Politics
Even after his demise in 1988, Karpuri Thakur’s influence remains strong among Bihar’s backward and extremely backward voters, constituting around 52% of the population. Consequently, political parties consistently invoke his name to secure their foothold in the state. In a notable move in 2020, the Congress declared its intention to establish the ‘Karpuri Thakur Facility Center’ in acknowledgment of his enduring impact.
In conclusion, Karpuri Thakur‘s indelible mark on Bihar’s political landscape showcases the enduring legacy of a leader committed to social justice and the welfare of the underprivileged. The proposal for his Bharat Ratna serves as a fitting tribute to his contributions in shaping Bihar’s political narrative.
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