Late former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur to be awarded Bharat Ratna

NEW DELHI: Late former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur will be posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was "delighted" that the "great Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji" will be conferred the prestigious award "and that too at a time when we are marking his birth centenary".

"This prestigious recognition is a testament to his enduring efforts as a champion for the marginalised and a stalwart of equality and empowerment," PM Modi said in a post on X.

"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," he added.

Who was Karpoori Thakur?

* Thakur, who served as the chief minister of Bihar twice, was known for championing the cause of the backward classes.

* His tenure as chief minister was marked by various pro-poor initiatives, including the implementation of land reforms and policies aimed at empowering the underprivileged.

* Popularly known as Jan Nayak (people's hero), Thakur was widely respected for his integrity and dedication to the welfare of the common people.


* Thakur was associated with multiple political parties throughout his career.

* He began his political journey with the Praja Socialist Party and later aligned himself with the Janata Party during his first term as the chief minister of Bihar from 1977 to 1979. Subsequently, he became affiliated with the Janata Dal.

* He passed away in February 1988.