Karpoori Thakur. | Image Source: The Hindu Archives
The decision comes just a day before the centenary celebrations of the former Bihar Chief Minister, renowned for his tireless efforts in championing the cause of the marginalized.
Thakur, born into the Nai (barber) community and the son of a marginal farmer, served two terms as the Chief Minister of Bihar. His leadership, first with the Bharatiya Kranti Dal and later with the Janata Party, left an indelible mark on Indian politics.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged Thakur's enduring commitment to the marginalized and his role as a stalwart for equality and justice. The late leader, known as Jannayak or People's Leader, played a pivotal role in the freedom movement, enduring incarceration during the Quit India movement in 1942.
Thakur's impact on social justice in Indian politics was highlighted during his Chief Ministership in 1977. The Mungeri Lal Commission's report, implemented in 1978, recommended reclassifying backward classes as extremely backward classes, a move that paved the way for 26% reservation for them in government services in Bihar. This step is considered a precursor to the Mandal Commission's recommendations in the 1990s, transforming Indian politics and giving rise to influential parties like the Janata Dal (U), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and Samajwadi Party (SP).
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, expressing happiness over the Bharat Ratna announcement, credited Thakur's formula for classifying backward classes. Kumar utilized the "Karpoori Thakur formula" to categorize backward classes, solidifying his position as a leader among Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs).
The Bharat Ratna for Thakur not only serves as a nod to his impactful legacy but also holds political significance. It provides the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with a tool to counter the results of the caste survey in Bihar and addresses the repeated Congress demand for a nationwide caste census.
In response, the Bihar BJP expressed gratitude to PM Modi for honoring Thakur, considering it a moment of pride for the state. This recognition is seen as fulfilling the dreams of Karpoori Thakur, marking a poignant acknowledgment of his contributions to Indian society.
With inputs from our Bihar correspondent