Karpoori Thakur Profile: Karpoori Thakur, often referred to as the "Jan Nayak" or people's hero of Bihar politics, has been posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian honour. The announcement by the Centre, a day ahead of Thakur's 100th birth anniversary, has evoked emotional responses from political leaders, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressing their sentiments.
Karpoori Thakur, the first non-Congress Chief Minister of Bihar, served in the top job from December 1970 to June 1971 and later from June 1977 to April 1979. His tenure witnessed the implementation of the Mungerilal Commission, which introduced reservations for the economically disadvantaged and backward sections of society.
Karpoori Thakur Profile: From Participating In Quit India Movement To Challenging Congress Hegemony
Thakur, born in 1924 in a village in Samastipur district, played a pivotal role in Bihar politics despite his relatively short-lived tenures as Chief Minister. His legacy cuts across party lines, with parties of various ideologies seeking to claim his political heritage.
Describing Thakur's journey, veteran socialist leader and RJD national vice-president Shivanand Tiwary said, "His term in power may not have lasted for long. But, in those days, the rise to the highest seat of power was no mean feat for a person coming from a poor family and the extremely backward and numerically small caste Nai (barber)", as per news agency PTI.
Thakur began his political career as a young student during the Quit India movement, enduring several months in jail. Despite initial involvement in teaching, he emerged victorious in the 1952 state assembly election from the Tajpur constituency as a candidate of the Socialist Party, challenging the Congress hegemony.
Tiwary highlighted Thakur's association with leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan and Ram Manohar Lohia, noting, "His leadership qualities were such that despite being from a so-called lower caste, he was respected by those hailing from the upper castes."
Karpoori Thakur: Bihar's First Non-Congress Chief Minister
The socialist leader rose to prominence in 1967 when Bihar saw its first non-Congress government. Thakur, serving as Deputy Chief Minister, is remembered for abolishing English as a compulsory subject in schools, a move acknowledged as bold and progressive.
Despite his brief tenures as Chief Minister, Thakur's impact was substantial. As per PTI, Tiwary emphasised, "It is true that Thakur never enjoyed a full five-year term in power. The total duration of his two tenures as Chief Minister would come to less than three years. But his achievements have been far bigger than the statistical figure suggests."
During Thakur's leadership, the Mungerilal Commission's recommendations were implemented, introducing quotas for backward classes. The Most Backward Classes, now known as 'ati-pichhda,' were recognized as a distinct category. Tiwary pointed out, "The ban on alcohol, which the current Chief Minister counts as one of his major achievements, was first experimented with in Bihar during Karpoori Thakur’s rule."
Thakur, who passed away in 1988, is remembered as a leader untouched by venality and nepotism. His son, Ram Nath Thakur, is a Rajya Sabha MP from JD(U). Despite political differences, both Nitish Kumar and RJD president Lalu Prasad regard Thakur as their mentor.
Claim For Karpoori Thakur's Legacy
With the recent increase in quotas for deprived castes in Bihar, both JD(U) and RJD aim to capitalise on Thakur's legacy. However, the BJP, with the Centre bestowing the Bharat Ratna, is likely to assert itself as the true champion of backward classes.
Expressing gratitude for the Bharat Ratna, Nitish Kumar, who considers Thakur his mentor, stated, "It took Narendra Modi, a son of an ati-pichhda, to give Bharat Ratna to Karpoori Thakur."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed delight over the announcement as he posted on X, "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. This prestigious recognition is a testament to his enduring efforts as a champion for the marginalized and a stalwart of equality and empowerment."
"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," he added.
It is noteworthy that the demand for bestowing Bharat Ratna on Karpoori Thakur had been a long-standing one. Earlier, JD(U) leader Keshi Tyagi had not only called for conferring Bharat Ratna but had also urged for the establishment of a university in his name.
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