Who is Karpoori Thakur? Former Bihar CM to be awarded Bharat Ratna posthumously

New Delhi: Former Bihar Chief Minister and socialist leader Karpoori Thakur will be given the country's highest civilian award Bharat Ratna posthumously, President's Secretariat said in a press release.

The announcement has been made a day ahead of the veteran leader's 100th birth anniversary.

Karpoori Thakur was born in Samastipur district of Bihar and was popularly known as Jan Nayak (the people’s leader).

Thakur served as a minister and as Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, before becoming the Chief Minister of Bihar from December 12, 1970 to June 2, 1971 and from June 24, 1977 to April 21, 1979.

In the early days after Independence, Thakur served as a teacher in the Middle School of his village. He became a member of the Bihar Assembly in 1952.

The veteran leader was a strong advocate of socialist ideology. He was involved with for Praja Socialist Party and Samyukta Socialist Party, as also with the Janata Party and the Bharatiya Lok Dal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed delight over conferring Bharat Ratna to the former Bihar Chief Minister saying that the recognition is a testament to the socialist leader's 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," Modi wrote on X.

As a student activist, Karpoori Thakur left his graduate college to join the Quit India Movement and spent 26 months in prison while participating in the Indian independence movement.

Nitish happy over Bharat Ratna for Karpoori Thakur

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday expressed his happiness over decision of the Centre to honour former Bihar Chief Minister and veteran socialist leader Karpoori Thakur with the nation's highest civilian award Bharat Ratna.

Kumar said that decision to honour Thakur with highest civilian award would trigger positive thoughts towards backwards and deprived section of the society. He had been demanding Bharat Ratna award for since long, he pointed out.

"It is time for happiness and satisfaction that Thakur is being honoured with highest civilian award of the country", the Chief Minister said adding that his party JD(U) had also been demanding for the same since long. It was good that demand of JD(U) had been accepted, albeit after a long wait, he remarked.