Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp political attack on his opponents during his visit to Bihar on Friday, 24 October, accusing “scam-tainted people who are out on bail" of attempting to “steal the legacy" of revered socialist leader Jannayak Karpoori Thakur.
PM Modi said that for some political figures, “stealing has become so natural" that they are now trying to appropriate the memory and legacy of the late Bihar leader. He asserted that the people of the state would “never tolerate such an insult" to a leader who remains a symbol of integrity and social justice.
The Prime Minister’s remarks came as he officially kick-started the Bihar Assembly election campaign, positioning his party as the true custodian of Karpoori Thakur’s ideals.
Paying homage to Karpoori Thakur, Modi described him as a pioneer of social equality whose policies inspired successive generations. He said the central government continues to fulfil Thakur’s vision through welfare schemes and expanded reservation benefits for OBC, SC, and ST communities.
“Karpoori Thakur worked for the upliftment of the poor, backward, and marginalised. Our government has taken his mission forward by empowering the deprived sections through education, employment, and economic opportunity," Modi stated.
The remarks come as a BJP strategy to consolidate support among Bihar’s backward and marginalised voters ahead of the polls.
Reacting to PM Modi’s visit to Bihar, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh questioned the BJP’s stance on social justice and caste-based policies. He accused the RSS and Jan Sangh of toppling Karpoori Thakur’s government in 1989 over his OBC reservation act, criticised Modi’s past remarks opposing a caste census, and asked why the 65% reservation Act wasn’t given constitutional protection under the Ninth Schedule.
Born on 24 January 1924 in Pitaunjhia village of Samastipur district, Karpoori Thakur rose from humble beginnings to become one of Bihar’s most respected leaders. Serving twice as Chief Minister of Bihar from 1970 to 1971 and 1977 to 1979, he earned the title “Jan Nayak" or “People’s Hero".
Thakur introduced the Karpoori Thakur Formula, a pioneering reservation policy for backward and economically weaker communities that later influenced the Mandal Commission framework. His tenure was marked by land reforms, prohibition policies, and efforts to promote Hindi and women’s empowerment.
The Bihar Legislative Assembly elections will be held in two phases, on 6 and 11 November, covering all 243 constituencies. Vote counting and results are scheduled for 14 November 2025.
