Samastipur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 24 paid homage to Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur in Bihar’s Samastipur district, and he later met his family members. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was also present.
#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi pays tribute to Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur in Samastipur, Bihar, and interacts with his family members. pic.twitter.com/r98yV0cezU
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) October 24, 2025
Karpuri Thakur, a prominent socialist leader and former Chief Minister of Bihar, is remembered for his dedication to social justice and the upliftment of marginalised communities. His policies, including reservations for backward classes, have had a lasting impact on the state.
In a momentous decision, the Government of India has posthumously honoured Karpoori Thakur, the stalwart leader and former Chief Minister of Bihar, with the prestigious Bharat Ratna in 2024.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a statement, highlighted Thakur’s dedication to the principles of democracy and social justice. “Karpuri Thakur’s life was dedicated to serving the people, especially the marginalised. His contributions have left an indelible mark on our political ethos,” remarked the Prime Minister.
Karpoori Thakur, born on January 24, 1927, in Samastipur, Bihar, was a towering figure in Indian politics, especially known for his relentless advocacy for the marginalised sections of society. His political journey started with his involvement in the Quit India Movement during the independence struggle, and he continued to champion the cause of the downtrodden throughout his career.
Thakur’s foray into mainstream politics gained momentum when he joined the Janata Party and later became the Chief Minister of Bihar, serving two non-consecutive terms from 1977 to 1979 and then from 1980 to 1985. His tenure marked a period of significant social reforms and inclusive policies, earning him acclaim for his efforts in upliftment and empowerment.
One of his major accomplishments was the implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations, which aimed at providing reservation to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs and educational institutions. Thakur’s commitment to social justice resonated strongly during this period, earning him admiration and criticism alike.
Karpoori Thakur’s political life was about chasing and realising a dream. It was a dream to champion social justice in vernacular languages and rallying for a corruption-free society as an individual. A society where English could not be allowed to become a barrier between the marginalised and elite, a society where a political culture cannot be allowed to become a hegemon. A society where a pro-poor approach and dedication to the cause of the downtrodden is given primacy over any other business. Most of these traits seem to have become the central thrust in New India.
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