The Narendra Modi-led BJP Government has posthumously conferred Bharat Ratna to the eminent socialist figure and former Chief Minister of Bihar, Karpoori Thakur, renowned for his advocacy for the Backward Classes in India. The declaration preceded the centenary celebrations of Thakur, also known as Jan Nayak (people’s leader), scheduled for the next day.

A two-time former Chief Minister of Bihar, Thakur played a crucial role in mentoring current-generation leaders in the state, including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD President Lalu Prasad Yadav. The decision by the BJP-led Modi government to honor Thakur, a towering figure among backward caste leaders in Bihar, with the highest civilian award, comes at a time when the opposition is rallying around the demand for a caste census as a pivotal issue in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Who is Karpoori Thakur?

Karpoori Thakur, originally from Pitaunjhia village (now Karpoori Gram) in the Samastipur district of Bihar, actively participated in the Quit India Movement as a student activist and spent 28 months in jail during the freedom struggle. A member of the All India Students Federation, he entered politics in 1952, securing a seat as an MLA from Tajpur constituency as a Socialist party candidate.

Thakur’s political journey included serving as the Education Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar. In 1970, he became the first non-Congress socialist Chief Minister of Bihar, but his government collapsed after six months. He regained the CM post in 1977, only to resign in 1979 due to internal conflicts within the Janata Party, a coalition of various parties, including Socialists, regarding the reservation system.

Banned Liquor

Known for his social and political initiatives, Thakur enforced total prohibition of alcohol in Bihar, eliminated English as a compulsory subject for matriculation examinations, and facilitated the establishment of schools and colleges in backward districts. Notably, his implementation of the Mungeri Lal Commission report in 1978 reclassified backward classes as extremely backward classes, leading to 26% reservation in government services for them, a precursor to the later Mandal Commission report.

Karpoori Thakur Formula

The Karpoori Thakur Formula proposed 12% reservation for OBCs, 8% for EBCs, 3% for women, and 3% for the poor from upper castes. However, this reservation policy caused internal tensions within the Janata Party and faced opposition from upper castes. Thakur’s legacy continued even after his death in 1988, influencing the rise of regional parties like Janata Dal (United) and Rashtriya Janata Dal in Bihar.

In 2023, the coalition government of JD(U) and RJD released the findings of a caste survey, the first since 1931, revealing that EBCs classified using the Karpoori Formula constituted the largest section of the state’s population. The issue of caste census has become a focal point for opposition parties leading up to the Lok Sabha elections.

Anand Mishra, a distinguished member of the Indian Police Service (IPS) and the current Superintendent of Police in Lakhimpur, Assam, officially tendered his resignation from the position. However, he has asked the Chief Secretary to relieve him from the job with effect from January 16, 2024.

According to reports, Mishra is planning to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from the Buxar constituency in Bihar. The interesting fact is that Anand Mishra is just 34 years old and he has over 26 years of services left.

The announcement was made through a letter addressed to the chief secretary, wherein SP Mishra conveyed his decision to step down from the IPS, expressing a desire for a life characterized by freedom and independence. In the letter, he articulated, “I hereby submit my unconditional resignation from the IPS to pursue a life of freedom and independence, aiming to realize these aspirations through various social services and other avenues beyond the scope of IPS mandates.”

Assam: Lakhimpur SP, IPS Anand Mishra resigns from his service#AnandMishra #resignation #assam #northeast #AssamPolice #Northeastlive

Read the full story here: https://t.co/ZOxnWhaGSX pic.twitter.com/vCXdjlxnRj

— Northeast Live (@NELiveTV) December 27, 2023

Anand Mishra has been a notable figure in Assam, widely recognized for his unwavering dedication and commitment to upholding law and order. Mishra hasn’t revealed the party he will be joining but is likely that he will join the ruling BJP.

In the wake of the heavy rains causing flooding across Chennai, actor Vishal took to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday to address the city’s mayor regarding the stormwater drain project. The project, designed to mitigate flooding during downpours, is a vital component in managing rainwater and preventing urban flooding. Despite the existing stormwater drainage facilities in flood-prone Chennai, instances of flooding persist during intense rainfall.

Dear Ms Priya Rajan (Mayor of Chennai) and to one & all other officers of Greater Chennai Corporation including the Commissioner. Hope you all are safe & sound with your families & water especially drainage water not entering your houses & most importantly hope you have… pic.twitter.com/pqkiaAo6va

— Vishal (@VishalKOfficial) December 4, 2023

The recent deluge, triggered by Cyclonic Storm Michaung, wreaked havoc in Chennai and nearby districts, claiming around 8 lives and disrupting normal life. Low-lying and residential areas experienced inundation, leading to power outages and internet disruptions. Vishal, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressed concern for the well-being of the mayor and other officials of the Greater Chennai Corporation, emphasizing the need for their safety and the assurance of essential supplies.

As a concerned voter and resident of the city, Vishal questioned the effectiveness of the stormwater drainage system in preventing flooding. He juxtaposed the situation in Chennai with that of Singapore, wondering if the drainage project was intended for the former or the latter. Reflecting on the 2015 floods that paralyzed the city for over a month, Vishal lamented the current conditions, expressing disappointment at the lack of improvement after eight years.

Recalling the community’s resilience during the 2015 floods, Vishal called for a more proactive role from representatives of each constituency. He urged them to instill hope, provide assistance, and alleviate distress instead of fostering fear. Expressing a sense of shame, Vishal appealed to the authorities to fulfill their duty to citizens, emphasizing the need for action rather than relying on miracles. He concluded by invoking divine blessings for the well-being of the people.

Notably, two years ago, the Tamil Nadu government sanctioned Rs 1,000 crore for the construction of a stormwater drain in response to severe flooding in Chennai. As per information available on the Chennai Corporation’s website, a significant portion of the stormwater drain project has been completed, covering 225 km at a cost of Rs 699 crore, with additional construction underway for a length of 70.26 km at a cost of Rs 276.54 crore.