"Want to thank Centre on behalf of poor...": Giriraj Singh on Bharat Ratna for Karpoori Thakur

"I want to thank the Central Government on behalf of poor and socially backward people. Karpoori Thakur was a socialist. I have known him closely. Lalu Prasad Yadav ignored him after coming to power. PM Narendra Modi's government honoured him and that is the difference between the BJP and the Congress government," Singh said.

Congress leader Tariq Anwar also welcomed the Centre's decision to award former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur with the Bharat Ratna.

"I welcome this move. He deserves the Bharat Ratna and there is no doubt about it. He did a lot for social justice. But the BJP is giving him the Bharat Ratna. One thing is clear from this, that the BJP has done this keeping the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in mind. The contribution given by Karpoori Thakur for social justice cannot be forgotten," Anwar said.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey said that it's a matter of joy that former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur is being awarded the Bharat Ratna.

"It is a matter of joy that he has been honoured with Bharat Ratna today. I thank the Prime Minister for this historic decision. I express my gratitude to PM Modi," Choubey said.

This prestigious award is a tribute to Karpoori Thakur's lifelong dedication to the upliftment of the underprivileged sections of society and his relentless fight for Social Justice. Known affectionately as 'Jan Nayak' (People's Leader), Thakur's simplicity in his personal conduct was highly inspiring and his contribution to Indian politics has been monumental.

Former Bihar CM was born on January 24, 1924, and passed away on February 17, 1988.

Thakur was born in 1924 in one of the most backward sections of society - the Nai Samaj. He was a remarkable leader whose political journey was marked by his unwavering commitment to the marginalised sections of society.

He served as the Chief Minister of Bihar and was a key figure in the struggle against social discrimination and inequality. His commitment to affirmative action gave representation and opportunities to the poor, oppressed, exploited and deprived sections of the country.

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. (ANI)