In the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party strategically played the Bharat Ratna card, a move worth exploring for its potential impact.
Patna, Bihar : In the intricate realm of Bihar politics, where alliances shift like the unlikely friendship of a snake and mongoose, the central government’s announcement of former Bihar Chief Minister Karpuri Thakur receiving the Bharat Ratna on January 26 stirred the political cauldron. Recognized for his leadership in socialist thought and unwavering commitment to public service, Karpuri Thakur’s simplicity and high-minded ideals had left an indelible mark on Bihar. The BJP, devoid of a Chief Ministerial face in the state, seized the opportunity to enhance its image ahead of the elections, acknowledging that Karpuri Thakur’s legacy held significant sway over the people of Bihar.
Despite the absence of a prominent BJP figure vying for the Chief Minister’s role, the party had played a masterstroke by bestowing the Bharat Ratna upon a leader deeply embedded in the hearts of Bihar’s residents. This move, akin to adding sugar to milk, served to sweeten the party’s prospects in the upcoming electoral contest. Notably, the BJP’s historical association with the upper castes faced a transformative moment, curbing ridicule and gaining resonance through the Bharat Ratna.
Timing proved crucial for the BJP, choosing the birth centenary of Karpuri Thakur to unveil the Bharat Ratna. Faced with the challenge posed by Nitish Kumar in Bihar, the BJP sought to redefine its narrative. The NDA had focused on inclusivity, particularly with regard to backward classes, while the BJP strategically brought in OBC leaders from other states to influence Bihar’s OBC vote bank.
Karpuri Thakur’s Bharat Ratna, announced posthumously during his birth centenary year, marked a calculated move by the Modi government, aligning with strategies that the UPA government had overlooked during its tenure.
कौन थे Karpuri Thakur जिन्हें मिलेगा भारत रत्न? जानें Bihar के पूर्व CM की पूरी कहानी| Nitish & Lalu थे शागिर्द#KarpooriThakur #BharatRatna #Bihar@shubhankrmishra pic.twitter.com/vvEBXaUBKb
— NewsBook (@NewsBookMedia) January 23, 2024
For the public, Karpuri Thakur represented more than a politician seeking office; he embodied a socialist ideology and served as an inspiration to the working class. Bihar, known for producing morally upright leaders like Rajendra Prasad and Jayaprakash Narayan, held Karpuri Thakur in high esteem.
In contrast to the current political landscape dominated by powerful leaders and intricate party dynamics, Karpuri Thakur’s humble origins, living in a dilapidated house, resonated strongly with the people.
As Bihar navigates a landscape rife with influential leaders and parties entangled in various trades, the Bharat Ratna conferred upon Karpuri Thakur emerged as a panacea for the BJP. It addressed the need for a moral and inspirational figure, countering the challenges posed by corruption scandals involving former socialist leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav. In the intricate chessboard of Bihar politics, the BJP successfully played its trump card, finding solace and support in the legacy of Karpuri Thakur.
