Karpoori Thakur's granddaughter thanks PM Modi, and Amit Shah for Bharat Ratna

The granddaughter of former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur, posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, expressed immense pride for her family. Dr. Jagriti conveyed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for this unique honor to her late grandfather. She shared her sentiments, stating it's an indescribable proud moment. The recognition bestowed by PM Modi and Amit Shah holds unparalleled significance, marking a matter of great pride.

Karpoori Thakur, a two-time Bihar Chief Minister renowned for advocating reservation benefits for OBCs, received India's highest civilian honor, Bharat Ratna, in an announcement by the BJP-led Central government. This strategic move is perceived as an outreach by the BJP, considering the impending general elections where caste dynamics play a significant role. The decision aligns with Bihar's plan to celebrate Thakur's legacy, coinciding with the state becoming a focal point for social justice politics. Additionally, it precedes Thakur's 100th birth centenary.

Following the announcement, the Congress party reiterated its call for a nationwide caste census while welcoming the Bharat Ratna decision. Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary in charge of communications, characterized the decision as reflective of the Modi government's "desperation and hypocrisy."

Born in 1924 in Pitaunjhia, now known as Karpoori Gram in Samastipur, Thakur hailed from the Nai or barber community, constituting around 1.6% of Bihar's population in the 1970s. Winning his first state assembly election from Tajpur in 1952, he retained his position for 33 consecutive years.

Karpoori Thakur served two terms as Bihar Chief Minister — first for about six months in 1970 as the Socialist Party leader, and later for nearly two years from June 1977 to April 1979 as head of the Janata Party government. Beyond his political roles, he is lauded for consolidating backward castes into a formidable bloc and advocating for sub-divisions within the OBC quota for the upliftment of the most backward groups. Despite facing resistance within his party, Thakur's dedication to social justice and the cause of the deprived marked his political legacy.

करपूरी ठाकुर की पोती ने भारत रत्न के लिए पीएम मोदी, अमित शाह का आभार व्यक्त किया।