Bharat Ratna for Karpoori Thakur: Nitish Kumar Applauds Bold Move

Karpoori Thakur Selected for Bharat Ratna a Day Before Birth Anniversary

On the auspicious occasion of his 100th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended heartfelt tributes to the late Karpoori Thakur, a two-time chief minister of Bihar. The Prime Minister took a moment to acknowledge and appreciate Thakur’s substantial contributions to the cause of social justice and his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people.

On Tuesday, Karpoori Thakur was honored with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor. Prime Minister Modi, in a reflective blog post, shed light on Thakur’s enduring legacy as a leader who advocated for the fair distribution of reservation benefits and implemented job quotas for other backward classes (OBCs) a decade before any national initiative in that direction.

“Today marks the birth centenary of Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji, whose unwavering commitment to social justice has positively impacted the lives of millions,” stated Prime Minister Modi.

He emphasized Thakur’s humble origins and resilience in overcoming numerous obstacles to contribute to societal betterment. The prime minister shared anecdotes underscoring Karpoori Thakur’s simplicity, including instances where he used his personal funds for various matters, such as his daughter’s wedding.

Reflecting on Karpoori Thakur’s tenure as the Chief Minister of Bihar, it was noted that a decision was made to construct a colony for political leaders during his leadership. Remarkably, he abstained from availing any land or financial benefits for himself in connection to this initiative. In 1988, upon his passing, numerous leaders visited his village to pay their respects. Witnessing the humble state of his residence left them deeply moved, prompting reflections on the paradox of a towering figure residing in such a simple abode.

Prime Minister Modi also recounted an incident from 1977 when Karpoori Thakur, having recently assumed the role of Bihar’s CM, attended an event wearing a torn kurta. Despite receiving donations to acquire a new one, Thakur selflessly contributed the funds to the Chief Minister Relief Fund. This anecdote serves as a testament to his altruistic nature.

Describing Thakur’s political journey, PM Modi emphasized the monumental efforts made to foster a society where resources were equitably distributed, ensuring that everyone, irrespective of their social standing, had access to opportunities. This underscores Thakur’s steadfast commitment to addressing systemic inequalities throughout his political career.

“His dedication to his principles was so profound that even during an era dominated by the Congress Party, he staunchly adopted an anti-Congress stance. His conviction, established early on, stemmed from the belief that the Congress had strayed from its foundational principles,” remarked PM Modi.

Karpoori Thakur’s Political Odyssey

Karpoori Thakur’s political journey commenced with the Praja Socialist Party, and during his initial term as Bihar’s chief minister from 1977 to 1979, he aligned himself with the Janata Party. As time progressed, he forged connections with the Janata Dal, signaling a significant shift in his political allegiance.

Mrityunjay Tiwari of the RJD highlighted that the BJP had verbally attacked Karpoori Thakur during his lifetime and seemingly forgot him for nine years. He expressed skepticism about the sudden recollection of Thakur, linking it to election strategies, claiming that only now, with elections approaching, they are remembering him and awarding him the Bharat Ratna for potential votes.

The prestigious Bharat Ratna awarded to Karpoori Thakur stands as a testament to his lifelong commitment to uplifting the underprivileged sections of society and his relentless advocacy for social justice. Fondly known as ‘Jan Nayak’ (People’s Leader), Thakur’s simplicity in personal conduct served as a profound source of inspiration, and his contributions to Indian politics have been monumental.

Source: Google, Hindustan Times, Instagram

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