January 24, 2024 The late Karpoori Thakur, former Chief Minister of Bihar and a stalwart in OBC politics, has been posthumously named for the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor. This announcement has triggered a political race in Bihar, with opposition leaders welcoming the move while the BJP accuses them of leveraging Thakur’s legacy for votes.
Karpoori Thakur, affectionately known as ‘Jannayak,’ will be the 49th recipient of the Bharat Ratna, with the last conferment taking place in 2019 on the late president Pranab Mukherjee. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, acknowledging Thakur’s contribution, wrote a tribute and expressed gratitude for his impact on society.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, welcoming the announcement, termed it a moment of joy and acknowledged it as a long-standing demand. He thanked the Prime Minister, emphasizing the positive sentiment this recognition would create among backward communities.
On the other side, former Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav stated that Thakur should have received the honor earlier. He noted the timing of the decision, coming after the RJD-JDU government’s caste survey, and highlighted the focus on concerns of Dalit Bahujan.
Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, suggested that the timing was influenced by the RJD-JDU government’s initiatives. Responding to accusations, he stated that their demand had been fulfilled, and socialist leaders had pushed for this recognition.
In contrast, BJP leaders, including Giriraj Singh and Ravi Shankar Prasad, accused Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav of selling Thakur’s legacy for votes. Giriraj Singh credited Prime Minister Modi’s sensitivity for the honor, highlighting the BJP government’s broader focus on the country’s welfare.
The posthumous recognition of Karpoori Thakur with the Bharat Ratna has become a focal point in Bihar’s political landscape, sparking debates on legacy, timing, and political motivations. As the political discourse unfolds, Thakur’s contributions to OBC politics and affirmative action are revisited and celebrated.
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