Former Bihar Chief Minister A Pioneer Of Rights Of EBC and OBC
In its sixth Bharat Ratna nomination in nearly 10 years in power, the Narendra Modi government on Tuesday selected the country’s highest civilian honour for Karpoori Thakur. The other five that have been conferred with Bharat Ratna (since the current government came to power) are educationist, freedom fighter and once-Congress president Madan Mohan Malviya; ex-prime minister and BJP leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee; former President and Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee; Assamese singer and musician Bhupen Hazarika; and RSS leader Nanaji Deshmukh.
Karpoori Thakur will be awarded India’s highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna, posthumously. He 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 while he was Bihar chief minister from 1977 to 1979. Born in Samastipur district, Karpoori Thakur became part of India’s freedom struggle from a young age. He was jailed along with other freedom fighters during the Quit India Movement, but kept up his struggle to push the Britishers out of India.
Karpoori Thakur was born on January, 24 1924. He was popularly known as Jan Nayak. He served as the Chief Minister of Bihar from December 1970 to June 1971 (Socialist Party/Bharatiya Kranti Dal), and from December 1977 to April 1979 (Janata Party).
The former Bihar chief minister mentored both Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitesh Kumar and is regarded as the political guru of both the politicians.
The announcement of the Bharat Ratna award for him comes ahead of his 100th birth anniversary that falls today, January 24.
Prime Minister’s X Post On Kapoori Thakur
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his happiness on the Government’s decision to confer Bharat Ratna to Thakur. On his X handle he posted,” 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.”
Bengali