Karpoori Thakur, the esteemed socialist leader and former Chief Minister of Bihar, is set to receive the posthumous honour of Bharat Ratna, as declared by the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Fondly referred to as 'Jannayak' by his supporters, Thakur is renowned for his dedicated efforts to empower the backward castes.
Born on January 24, 1924, Thakur played a significant role in the Quit India Movement against the British regime, facing imprisonment for his convictions. His political journey began with a victorious election in 1952, marking the start of a career where he remained undefeated in subsequent elections.
Karpoori Thakur, a trailblazing leader, initiated the introduction of reservations for backward castes in government services in Bihar in 1978. This groundbreaking move played a crucial role in shaping the subsequent implementation of the Mandal Commission report in 1990.
His tenure as Chief Minister of Bihar occurred in two phases, from December 1970 to June 1971 and from December 1977 to April 1979. Karpoori Thakur, often hailed as 'Jannayak,' passed away on February 17, 1988.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to the Gandhian socialist leader. “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 marginalised and a stalwart of equality and empowerment," he posted on social platform X.