Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday praised the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government for its initiatives while cautioning that “some people” were attempting to “steal” the legacy of Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur, the former chief minister revered as a champion of social justice.
Speaking at an event commemorating Karpoori Thakur’s contributions, Modi underlined the late leader’s role in shaping Bihar’s political and social landscape, particularly his emphasis on empowerment of the poor and marginalized communities. The Prime Minister said Thakur’s vision continues to inspire governance in the state and beyond.
“Karpoori Thakur was not just a leader of Bihar but a leader of the entire nation’s downtrodden and oppressed. Today, some people are trying to hijack his legacy for political mileage. But the truth is, his ideals cannot be stolen—they live on through the genuine work being done for the poor,” Modi said, drawing applause from the audience.
Modi lauded the Nitish Kumar government for carrying forward policies that align with Thakur’s ethos, citing welfare schemes, education initiatives, and efforts to uplift backward classes. He emphasized that Bihar’s governance model under Nitish had strengthened the state’s position as a hub of social justice and inclusive development.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid heightened political activity in Bihar, where Thakur’s legacy remains a powerful electoral touchstone. Parties across the spectrum frequently invoke his name to claim moral and ideological inheritance, a trend that Modi appeared to directly address in his speech.
Nitish Kumar, who was present at the event, echoed Modi’s words and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to Thakur’s vision. He highlighted policies aimed at reservation, rural development, and social inclusion as evidence of Bihar’s adherence to Jan Nayak’s principles.
Analysts see Modi’s statement as both an endorsement of Nitish Kumar’s leadership and a strategic message to counter political rivals attempting to leverage Thakur’s memory ahead of upcoming electoral contests. By praising the state government while cautioning against “legacy theft,” Modi positioned himself and his party as allies of both Nitish and the broader legacy of social justice politics in Bihar.
For the people of Bihar, the renewed focus on Karpoori Thakur underlines his enduring importance as a symbol of honesty, simplicity, and commitment to the underprivileged. Whether invoked by Nitish Kumar, Narendra Modi, or opposition leaders, the “Jan Nayak” continues to shape the state’s political imagination decades after his passing.
