Karpoori Thakur mentored Bihar Chief Ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar
New Delhi, NFAPost: Former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur will be awarded India’s highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna, posthumously.
The socialist icon is well-known for his efforts to uplift the backward classes in Bihar. Karpoori Thakur was the pioneer in providing the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) with the benefit of reservation as he implemented the recommendations of the Mungeri Lal Commission during his tenure as Bihar CM from 1977 to 1979.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed happiness over the decision of Bharat Ratna given to pioneer of social justice, Shri Karpoori Thakur posthumously.
Narendra Modi said that on the the occasion of Karpoori Thakur’s birth centenary, this decision will make the countrymen proud.
“His unwavering commitment and visionary leadership for the upliftment of the backward and the deprived has left an indelible mark on the socio-political scenario of India,” said Narendra Modi.
Born in the Samastipur district of Bihar, Karpoori Thakur became part of India’s freedom struggle from a young age. During the Quit India Movement, he was jailed with other freedom fighters but kept struggling to push the Britishers out of the country.
Following his initial triumph in 1952, he consistently emerged victorious in every subsequent election due to his widespread appeal arising from his modest lifestyle and unwavering commitment to promoting social justice.
Karpoori Thakur actively advocated for the rights of marginalised communities, including scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and other backward classes. His commitment to social justice and inclusive development was a key aspect of his political ideology.
