Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has expressed his appreciation for the government's decision to confer the Bharat Ratna upon former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur, marking the late leader's 100th birth anniversary. While Nitish Kumar welcomed the decision, his party JD(U)'s ally RJD deemed it a "political gimmick" orchestrated by the BJP, particularly as the elections draw near.
In support of the government's move, Nitish Kumar emphasized that awarding the highest civilian honor to Karpoori Thakur would foster positive sentiments among Dalits, as well as the deprived and neglected sections of society. The JD(U) leader revealed his longstanding advocacy for Bharat Ratna recognition for Karpoori Thakur and expressed his contentment with the government's decision.
Contrastingly, RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari alleged that the decision to confer Bharat Ratna was a strategic move tied to electoral considerations. He questioned the timing, suggesting that the BJP had been absent in its recognition of Karpoori Thakur's contributions for nine years. Tiwari attributed the decision to pressure from Lalu Yadav, who has been advocating for Bharat Ratna for Karpoori Thakur for an extended period.
Mrityunjay Tiwari further asserted that those now recognizing Karpoori Thakur had previously insulted him during his lifetime. The spokesperson implied that the BJP's current acknowledgment was inconsistent with their past behavior toward the late leader.
The President's office officially announced the Bharat Ratna for Karpoori Thakur on Tuesday, a day before the late leader's birth anniversary. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his statement, hailed Karpoori Thakur as a "beacon of social justice," acknowledging his unwavering commitment to uplifting the downtrodden and his visionary leadership, which has left a lasting imprint on India's socio-political landscape.
