Rahul Gandhi pays tribute to Karpoori Thakur on his death anniversary

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday paid homage to former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur on his death anniversary, remembering him as a steadfast champion of social justice and the rights of the marginalized.

‎In a post on social media, Gandhi said, “On the death anniversary of Karpoori Thakur, we pay our humble tributes to him. His fight for the rights of the deprived and the oppressed, and his lifelong struggle for social justice, will always remain a source of inspiration for us.”

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‎Karpoori Thakur, popularly known as “Jan Nayak” (people’s leader), was a prominent socialist leader and served twice as the Chief Minister of Bihar. He is widely credited for implementing progressive reservation policies in the state in the late 1970s, aimed at improving representation for backward classes in government jobs and education. His tenure and political legacy have had a lasting impact on the discourse around social justice and affirmative action in India.

‎Born in 1924, Thakur emerged from humble beginnings and was actively involved in the freedom movement. Over the decades, he became known for his simple lifestyle and unwavering commitment to the cause of the poor, backward classes, and other marginalized communities.

‎Gandhi’s tribute comes at a time when questions of caste equity, social justice, and welfare policies continue to shape the national political conversation. By invoking Thakur’s legacy, the Congress leader underscored the enduring relevance of the late socialist icon’s ideals.

‎Several leaders across party lines also remembered Thakur for his contributions to public life and his role in strengthening democratic and social justice frameworks in the country.