News Analysis India

Tag: karpoori thakur

  • PM Modi Calls Himself ‘Sabse Bada OBC,’ Accuses Congress Of Indulging In Hypocrisy |

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a fiery response to the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address in Parliament on Monday, proudly proclaimed himself as ‘Sabse Bada OBC,’ slamming the Congress for what he termed as ”hypocrisy” and ”double standards” in dealing with leaders from Backward communities.

    Congress Insulted Karpoori Thakur, OBC Leaders: PM

    In a scathing attack on the Congress, PM Modi accused the party of disrespecting Karpoori Thakur, a stalwart from Bihar who dedicated his life to democratic principles and constitutional values. He highlighted the recent conferment of Bharat Ratna on Thakur, underscoring the challenges he faced during his tenure as Bihar CM in 1970.

    “Congress party and UPA government did not deliver justice with OBCs. A few days ago, Karpoori Thakur ji was conferred with Bharat Ratna. In 1970, when he became Bihar CM, what was not done to destabilise his government? Congress can’t tolerate OBCs…They keep counting how many OBCs are there in the government. Can’t you (Congress) see the biggest OBC here (pointing towards himself)?” PM Modi said in his reply to the ‘Motion of Thanks’ on the President’s address.

     

    #WATCH | “Can’t you (Congress) see the biggest OBC here?….” asks PM Modi to Congress.

    “Congress party and UPA govt did not do justice with OBCs. A few days ago, Karpoori Thakur ji was conferred with Bharat Ratna. In 1970, when he became Bihar CM, what not was done to… pic.twitter.com/AqMemfzLNw
    — ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2024

     

    UPA’s Injustice To OBCs

    Continuing his offensive, PM Modi criticized the UPA government for failing to deliver justice to OBCs. He pointed out the formation of the National Advisory Council during their tenure, questioning its lack of OBC representation and influence. “During the UPA Government, an extra-constitutional body was formed. The government could not have its way before that body. National Advisory Council – did it have any OBC members? Find out,” he added.

    Inflation Legacy Of Congress: PM

    PM Modi delved into history, linking Congress to inflation. He recalled popular songs during Congress governance – ‘Mehngai Mar Gayi’ and ‘Mehngai Dayain Khaye Jaat Hai.’ Blaming Congress for inflation during their rule, he highlighted the insensitivity of their approach. “Two songs on inflation were superhits in our country – ‘Mehngai Mar Gayi’ and ‘Mehngai Dayain Khaye Jaat Hai’. Both of these songs came during Congress’ governance. Inflation was in double digits during UPA’s tenure, it can’t be denied. What was their government’s logic? Insensitivity. They said – you can have expensive ice creams but why do you cry about inflation?… Whenever Congress came to power, it strengthened inflation,” he added.

    Lok Sabha Adopts Motion Of Thanks 

    Lok Sabha adopted the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address after PM Modi’s impassioned response, where he not only lambasted the opposition but also outlined the government’s achievements. The motion passed through a voice vote, concluding a spirited debate with over 60 members participating.

    Budget Session Dynamics

    The ongoing budget session, possibly the last before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in April-May, witnessed President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the joint sitting of the two Houses, setting the tone for the upcoming political events.

  • Shiv Sena: Why no Bharat Ratna for Savarkar: Shiv Sena (UBT) slams Centre

    The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Wednesday attacked the BJP-led Centre for not conferring Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award, on Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar. Addressing a news conference, Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut called the Centre’s decision to honour former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur with the award posthumously a political move.

    Since the Narendra Modi government took charge in Delhi (in 2014), 11 people have been conferred the highest civilian award, but Savarkar has not found a place on the list, said Raut.

    Thakur was named for the Bharat Ratna on Tuesday on the eve of the birth centenary of the fountainhead of OBC (other backward classes) politics in Bihar. Thakur, who passed away in 1988, was the first non-Congress socialist leader who became chief minister twice – first for seven months in December 1970 and later for two years in 1977.

    “Our position remains the same that Veer Savarkar should be given the Bharat Ratna. Karpoori Thakur is a leader of the OBC and we are happy that he has been named for the Bharat Ratna,” Raut said.

    Since it is a poll season, Bihar is important for the BJP, Raut said. Bihar, which sends 40 MPs to the Lok Sabha, is currently governed by Janata Dal (United) and Rashtriya Janata Dal. “BJP’s every step is for political selfishness. Key people who participated in the freedom struggle are honoured but why is Savarkar not conferred on Bharat Ratna? Why is BJP fleeing from conferring Bharat Ratna on him,” Raut asked. A polarising figure in modern Indian history, Savarkar is known as “Swatantryaveer” and is revered among several quarters in the country, especially Maharashtra, for his contribution to the freedom struggle.

    However, critics charge him as a hard-line Hindutva leader.

  • As Bihar Parties Welcome ‘Bharat Ratna’ To Karpoori Thakur, RJD Calls It ‘A BJP Poll Gimmick’ |

    New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has welcomed the government’s decision to posthumously confer the Bharat Ratna on former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur. Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal-United president Nitish Kumar too hailed the move, calling it a good decision by the Centre. However, JD-U’s ally RJD has termed the move as a “political gimmick” of BJP. “My political and ideological guru, Late Karpoori Thakur ji, should have received Bharat Ratna long ago. We raised this voice from the House to the streets, but the Central Government woke up when the present Bihar government of social concern conducted the caste census and increased the scope of reservation for the benefit of Bahujans. The fear is true; politics will have to focus on the concerns of Dalit Bahujan,” RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav posted on X.

    Family Hails Move

    On Tuesday evening, the government announced its decision to award the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, to Karpoori Thakur posthumously. Following the announcement, family members of the late Bihar CM exchanged sweets in recognition of the forthcoming Bharat Ratna honour. Soon after the government announced that Karpoori Thakur would be posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, his son and JD(U) MP Ram Nath Thakur said that he didn’t see it from the side of politics.

    “I want to thank the Central government from my side as well as on behalf of my party and people of Bihar…I don’t see it from the side of politics. His (Karpoori Thakur’s) 100th birthday is tomorrow so maybe in view of that Central govt took this decision,” Thakur said.

    LJP Expresses Gratitude To PM 

    Meanwhile, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan expressed express gratitude to the Government and the Prime Minister.

    “I express gratitude to the Government of India and the Prime Minister. Bharat Ratna for Karpoori Thakur had been a long-pending demand of the people of Bihar as well as the entire country…Today, the PM honoured that demand of the people” Paswan said.

    BJP Hails Move

    Bihar LoP and BJP MLA Vijay Kumar Sinha said that the PM has honoured all Biharis by honouring ‘Jannayak’ Karpoori Thakur with the Bharat Ratna. “We had made the demand from the PM earlier too. Last year, he had said that this would be considered seriously. The PM has honoured all Biharis by honouring ‘Jannayak’ Karpoori Thakur with the Bharat Ratna. Entire Bihar is expressing gratitude to the PM because this is an honour for the entire state,” Sinha said.

    Union Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras said that the decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “historic.” “PM Narendra Modi has made a historic decision. The people of Bihar and the entire country are thankful to him for this decision…The PM made a historic decision. He will now be considered a messiah of the backward and Dalits,” Paras said.

    Moreover, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said that Thakur was such an honest leader that it is discussed even today. “He connected the poor, the deprived and the backward to the mainstream…I express gratitude to the Prime Minister for conferring the Bharat Ratna on him. This is an honour of the poor and their voice, of the backwards…Several of the previous governments used to think about only the people around them. Some of them thought only about their own families. Narendra Modi Government thinks about the entire country,” Prasad said.

    He further said that awarding Karpoori Thakur with Bharat Ratna is an honour of the poor, the backward of the country “For this much-awaited decision, I express my gratitude. Awarding Karpoori Thakur with Bharat Ratna is an honour of the poor, the backward of the country,” he said.

    BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain thanked the Prime Minister on behalf of the entire people of Bihar. “It is good news for Bihar. ..I thank the central govt…he deserves it, this was a demand of the Bihar people…This was fulfilled when a poor person’s son became Prime Minister. I thank PM Modi on behalf of the entire people of Bihar. Karpoori Thakur was the real leader of Bihar, he did so many things for the state,” Hussain said.

    Union Minister Nityanand Rai expressed gratitude to PM Narendra Modi and said that Karpoori Thakur’s entire life was dedicated to the poor and deprived. “First of all, I would like to express gratitude to PM Narendra Modi. Karpoori Thakur’s entire life was dedicated to the poor and deprived…Those who do politics in his name never thought for him, they just did politics in his name. Parties formed the government with Congress but Karpoori Thakur did not get the honour,” Rai said.

    BJP MP Sushil Modi said that PM Narendra Modi has done that historic work which no other PM could do to date. “Narendra Modi has done that historic work which no other PM could do till date. Son of an OBC – Narendra Modi – has honoured a crusader of OBC with the Bharat Ratna. Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav used to demand the Bharat Ratna but why could they not do it when they were Union Ministers? Narendra Modi is fulfilling the dreams of Karpoori Thakur,” Sushil Modi said.

    Bihar BJP chief Samrat Choudhary called it a historic decision and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “This is a historic decision. Thanks to the Prime Minister. By conferring the Bharat Ratna on ‘Gudri Ka Laal’, freedom fighter and former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur, PM Modi’s government has enhanced the pride of Bihar,” Choudhary said. “Narendra Modi’s government has enhanced the honour of Bihar today. On behalf of everyone in Bihar, I thank him for awarding Bharat Ratna to ‘Gudri Ke Laal’, freedom fighter and former CM Karpoori Thakur…PM Modi guarantees that he will fulfil everyone’s dreams – be it Lalu Yadav’s, Nitish Kumar’s, Congress Party’s or Ram Vilas’s. Only PM Modi can fulfil everyone’s dreams,” he added.

    RLJD Says Historic Decision

    RLJD Chief Upendra Kushwaha said that it is a historic moment for all and for those who fought for poor and backward people. “It is a historic moment for all of us and for those who fought for poor and backward people. We are grateful to PM Modi for this decision. Karpoori Thakur deserved this and we have been demanding it for a long time but the Government of India did not listen to us. However PM Modi has done it,” Kushwaha said.

    Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh said that this honour was for the pride of the poor, the deprived – someone who had become an example with his simplicity and honesty – Jannayak Karpoori Thakur.

    Historic Decision Or Political Gimmick?

    While Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar praised the Centre, his alliance partner in the state RJD said it was done to get votes.
    RJD’s Mrityunjay Tiwari said the BJP was verbally abusing Karpoori Thakur when he was alive and did not remember him for 9 years.

    “Central Government decided to award Bharat Ratna to Karpoori Thakur. The BJP was verbally abusing him while he was alive and did not remember him for 9 years. Our party and leader Lalu Yadav were demanding Bharat Ratna for him continuously. Now that elections are near, they are remembering Karpoori Thakur and awarded him the Bharat Ratna. They are remembering him for votes,” Tiwari said.

    Bharat Ratna A Tribute To Thakur’s Social Justice Crusade

    Beyond the political discourse, the Bharat Ratna is hailed as a tribute to Karpoori Thakur’s relentless struggle for social justice. Known as ‘Jan Nayak,’ his commitment to uplifting the underprivileged sections of society is highlighted. The award recognizes Thakur’s monumental contributions to Indian politics, marked by a dedicated fight against social discrimination and inequality.

    Legacy Of Janata Dal Leader: A Lifelong Struggle For the Marginalized

    Karpoori Thakur’s legacy extends beyond party affiliations. His journey from the Praja Socialist Party to the Janata Dal reflects a commitment to affirmative action and the empowerment of the poor and marginalized. Born on January 24, 1924, and passing away on February 17, 1988, Thakur’s impact on Indian politics remains significant, with the Bharat Ratna serving as a posthumous acknowledgment of his enduring contribution.

  • Karpoori Thakur, ‘Jan Nayak’ And Former Bihar CM, To Be Awarded ‘Bharat Ratna’ Posthumously |

    NEW DELHI: In a major development, the Centre on Tuesday announced that Karpoori Thakur, the former Bihar Chief Minister and great Socialist leader, will be awarded India’s highest civilian award – Bharat Ratna – posthumously. Thakur was a former Bihar Chief Minister and was known for championing the cause of the backward classes.

     

    Karpoori Thakur awarded the Bharat Ratna (posthumously).

    He was a former Bihar Chief Minister and was known for championing the cause of the backward classes. pic.twitter.com/nG7H80SwSZ
    — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2024

     

    The announcement to honour Thakur with India’s highest civilian award comes a day before his 100th birth anniversary.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to X and expressed his happiness over the Centre’s move to felicitate the late Bihar politician with ”Bharat Ratna.” ”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. 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,” PM Modi wrote on X.

     

    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… pic.twitter.com/9fSJrZJPSP
    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 23, 2024

     

    Bihar’s political parties, especially the ruling Janata Dal-United and top politicians, including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, had been demanding a ”Bharat Ratna” for the ‘Jan Nayak’ (people’s leader) for championing the cause of the poor and the downtrodden.

    Who Was Karpoori Thakur?

    Born in Bihar’s Samastipur, Thakur served as the state’s chief minister for two terms. He also served as the state’s education minister and deputy chief minister. Embarking on his political career with the Praja Socialist Party, he later joined forces with the Janata Party during his initial tenure as the chief minister of Bihar from 1977 to 1979. Over time, he established connections with the Janata Dal, marking a significant shift in his political affiliation.

    Thakur was born on January 24, 1924 and died on February 17, 1988.

  • Twitter war between Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav over demand of Bharat Ratna for Karpoori Thakur

    By Express News Service
    PATNA: A war of words was waged between chief minister Nitish Kumar and leader of opposition of RJD Tejashwi Yadav on Twitter on the eve of Republic Day over the demand of Bharat Ratna to veteran socialist leader and former CM (Late) Karpoori Thakur.

    Replying to a tweet by Tejashwi Yadav on the question of awarding Bharat Ratna to Karpoori Thakur, Nitish Kumar stated that he has recommended four times to the Centre for according Bharat Ratna to Karpoori Thakur.

    Tejashwi had first tweeted that demand of Bharat Ratna for Karpoori Thakur was an old demand of RJD. “Despite 39 MPs out of 40 from Bihar being from NDA, the double –engine government has not been able to get the Bharat Ratna to Karpoori Thakur. Is it because he (Karpoori Thakur) belongs to a disadvantaged group? Why does the CM not specifically meet the PM for this? Tejashwi Yadav taunted through a tweet.

    Yadav further asked Nitish Kumar should support his demand for Bharat Ratna for Karpoori Thakur.

    Responding to him, Nitish Kumar for the first time replied to Tejashwi Yadav’s tweet through his twitter handle and said “We have already sent our recommendation to the central government for awarding Bharat Ratan to Jannayak Karpoori Thakur”, 

    Nitish Kumar further stated that Thakur’s name was recommended for Bharat Ratna in the years 2007, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

    “Our wish is that Jannayak Karpoori Thakur be conferred with the Bharat Ratna”, Nitish Kumar said.

    Karpoori Thakur was born in 1924 in a poor barber family in Bihar’s Samastipur district and served as the chief minister of state from December 1970 to June 1971 as the leader of Socilaist party and from December 1977 to April 1979 as the leader of Janta Party. Thakur became MLA for the first time in 1952 from Samastipur’s Tajpur seat as socialist party candidate.

    Earlier, he had served as a village teacher had participated in the Quit India movement and was jailed for 26 months.  

    As votary of Hindu language, Karpoori Thakur had removed English as compulsory subject for the class 10th curriculum. He was an honest politician, who didn’t buy single property throughout his life and remained easily avaibale and accessible to the people even when he was the CM earning him the name ‘Jannayak’ (Hero of people).

  • Bihar political parties demand Bharat Ratna for Karpoori Thakur

    Express News Service
    PATNA: Leaders of almost all political parties in Bihar attacked their opponents while celebrating the 97th birth anniversay of late socialist leader Karpoori Thakur on Sunday. However, all parties in one voice demanded that the veteran leader is accorded the country’s highest recognition, the Bharat Ratna.

    Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, while attending JDU’s function to celebrate Karpoori Jayanti, said that he has always been working following the ideals of Jannayak Karpoori Thakur to bring the marginalized people of the society into the mainstream. “But for some people in politics, coming to power means to enjoy the power (satta ka sukh)”, taunted Nitish Kumar as an indirect jibe at RJD. Nitish Kumar further said that some people speak out loudly against him for their own publicity, instead of working for the poor in society.

    Targeting the Opposition for negative posts on social, media, Kumar said that the proper use of social and other digital media platforms should be promoted instead of using it in a negative way.  “We should not forget that a society cannot grow without positive thinking.  We just have to stay engaged in our work, united and working for empowerment of all and sundry”, he said.

    Another JDU leader Bijendra Prasad Yadav that many people in the Opposition celebrate anniversary of Jannayak Karpoori Thakur for votes. “The people of this state have to be careful with such people but we are try to serve the people following in the footprints of Karpoori Thakur”, he said.

    The JDU leaders also demanded that the late Karpoori Thakur is conferred the Bharat Ratna recognition

    RJD leaders took a jibe at CM Nitish Kumar saying that some people have forgotten the ideals of Karpoori Thakur for continuing in power.

    Jagdanand Singh of RJD said that those who have forgotten the ideals of Late Karpoori Thakur have no right to celebrate Thakur’s jayanti. The RJD leaders including Tejashwi Yadav also demanded Bharat Ratna for Karpoori Thakur posthumously.

    BJP and the HAM also said that some people in politics, referring indirectly to RJD and others in Opposition, used the name of Karpoori Thakur for politics only instead of following his ideologies.

    Meanwhile, Ramnath Thakur-the son of Late Karpoori Thakur and MP( RS), said that the state government had recommend for the Bharat Ratna to his farther Karpoori Thakur in 1989 when Bhagwat Jha Azad was the Chief Minister with a resolution passed by both houses in the state.  During the time of Lalu Prasad Yadav’s governance, another recommendation was sent to confer the Bharat Ratna to Jannayak Karpoori Thakur.  He said that during the tenure of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also the proposal to confer the Bharat Ratna from both the houses was passed and sent to the Centre but still no decision has been taken.