Bihar OBC icon to get Bharat Ratna honour

Two-time Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur, who championed equitable distribution of reservation benefits and implemented quotas in jobs for other backward classes (OBCs) a decade before any national initiative in that direction, was on Tuesday awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour.

- Arun Kumar

The award, coming a day before the birth centenary of a leader whose legacy on affirmative action continues to reverberate in Bihar and among backward classes, was seen as a major outreach by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) just months ahead of general elections, where caste is tipped to play a major role in shaping the narrative.

Popularly known as Jan Nayak (people's hero) who mentored a generation of leaders in India's heartland, Thakur became the 49th person to attain the honour and the 15th to receive it posthumously.

"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 marginalised and a stalwart of equality and empowerment," Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X.

"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."

The Bharat Ratna was announced after five years. In 2019, former President Pranab Mukherjee, Jana Sangh stalwart Nanaji Deshmukh, and artiste Bhupen Hazarika won the award.

Bihar chief minister Nitish welcomed Kumar the announcement but pointed out that it was a long-pending demand by his Janata Dal (United).