Former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur to be awarded Bharat Ratna

New Delhi : Born on January 24, 1924, Karpoori Thakur will be conferred 'Bharat Ratna Award' for his contribution towards Indian politics. He served as the Chief Minister of Bihar from December 1970 to June 1971 (Bharatiya Kranti Dal), and from December 1977 to April 1979 (Janata Party).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his delight over the news of 'Bharat Ratna' Award being conferred to him. "I am delighted that the Government of India has decided to confer the Bharat Ratna on the beacon of social justice, the great Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji 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 marginalized and a stalwart of equality and empowerment," said Mr. Prime Minister.

"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.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also expressed his happiness over the news and wrote on X, "The decision by the central government to posthumously award the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor, to former Bihar chief minister and great socialist leader Karpoori Thakur is a matter of great joy. This is a good decision by the government. This highest honor bestowed on Karpoori Thakur on his 100th birth anniversary will create a positive sentiment among the Dalits, the marginalized, and the neglected sections of society. We have always demanded that Karpoori Thakur be awarded the Bharat Ratna. Today, this long-standing demand has been fulfilled. We thank Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for this."