I always asked Bharat Ratna for Karpoori Thakur Ji: Nitish Kumar

Karpoori Thakur was a socialist leader and freedom fighter.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar welcomed the decision. (File)

Bharat Ratna for Karpoori Thakur: The government announced on Tuesday that former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur would be posthumously awarded the country's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, before his birth anniversary on January 24.

Reacting to the move, JD(U) leader and current Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar praised the Center for announcing Bharat Ratna.

“It is a matter of great pleasure to confer the country's highest honor 'Bharat Ratna' on former Prime Minister and great socialist leader late Karpoori Thakur ji. This is a good decision by the central government. This highest honor bestowed on late Karpoori Thakur Ji on his 100th birth anniversary will evoke positive feelings from all sections. We have always demanded to give 'Bharat Ratna' to late Karpoori Thakur ji. The longstanding demand has been met today,” Bihar CM wrote on X.

Meanwhile, RJD, JD(U)'s alliance partner in the state, said this was done to get votes.

RJD's Mrityunjay Tiwari said the BJP verbally abused Karpoori Thakur when he was alive and did not remember him for nine years.

“Our party and leader Lalu Yadav continuously demanded Bharat Ratna for him. Now that the elections are close, they commemorate Karpoori Thakur and award him the Bharat Ratna. They remember him because of the votes,” he added.

Karpoori Thakur was born on January 24, 1924 and died on February 17, 1988. He was a socialist leader and freedom fighter who served twice as the Chief Minister of Bihar. Previously, he held the positions of Education Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar.

He was known for championing the cause of the backward classes.

Starting his political career with the Praja Socialist Party, he later joined forces with the Janata Party during his first term as the Chief Minister of Bihar from 1977 to 1979. Over time, he established ties with the Janata Dal , which marked a major shift in his political beliefs.