Birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur: PM Modi, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar pay tributes to legendary leader

NEW DELHI: Several political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar Chief Minister (CM) Nitish Kumar on Saturday, January 24 paid their tributes to former Bihar CM and Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur on his 102nd birth anniversary.

Offering his tributes to Thakur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a tweet said “On the occasion of the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister of Bihar, Bharat Ratna Jannayak Karpoori Thakur Ji, I offer my humble salutations.”

PM Modi added that upliftment of marginalised sections of society was always at the centre of Thakur’s politics.

“The upliftment of the exploited, deprived and weaker sections of the society was always at the centre of his (Karpoori Thakur) politics. He will be exemplary and forever remember for his dedication to public service and simplicity,” read the post.

बिहार के पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री भारत रत्न जननायक कर्पूरी ठाकुर जी को उनकी जयंती पर सादर नमन। समाज के शोषित, वंचित और कमजोर वर्गों का उत्थान हमेशा उनकी राजनीति के केंद्र में रहा। अपनी सादगी और जनसेवा के प्रति समर्पण भाव को लेकर वे सदैव स्मरणीय एवं अनुकरणीय रहेंगे। pic.twitter.com/ACf7ZCRURS

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 24, 2026

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha and other senior leaders of Bihar also paid their tributes to the legendry socialist leader. The CM on Saturday paid floral tributes to Thakur’s statue at a ceremonial event organised to mark the latter’s birth anniversary.

Born in 1927 in Samastipur of Bihar, Karpoori Thakur actively participated in the Quit India Movement during the independence struggle. He later joined the Janata Party and served as the Chief Minister of Bihar for twice from 1977 to 1979 and from 1980 to 1985. Thakur’s policies led to significant social reforms and upliftment of the downtrodden.

For his exemplary contribution to society, the Government of India in 2024 posthumously honoured Karpoori Thakur with ‘Bharat Ratna,’ the highest civilian award of the country.