Nitish Kumar's "My Brother" Jab At BJP Over Karpoori Thakur's Bharat Ratna

Political tensions escalate in Bihar as the decision to posthumously award OBC leader Karpoori Thakur with the Bharat Ratna triggers a verbal sparring match, just three months before the general elections. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, flanked by Thakur's son, Ram Nath, criticizes the ruling BJP, emphasizing the JDU's long-standing demand for the prestigious honor since Thakur's demise in 1988.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar 

Karpoori Thakur's legacy of social upliftment, especially for the poor and backward classes, is spotlighted by Kumar. The Chief Minister reveals that despite Thakur not appointing his son as his successor, Ram Nath served as a minister and is now a Rajya Sabha MP.

Kumar takes a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting an expectation that Modi would claim credit for the award. The absence of a call from the Prime Minister further fuels speculation. This unfolds after an event honoring Thakur on his birth anniversary, adding a new chapter to Bihar politicians' race for credit.

The opposition, including RJD patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav, criticizes the timing of the recognition, just ahead of the Lok Sabha poll and amidst a contentious caste survey. Tejashwi Yadav, Deputy Chief Minister and Lalu's son, joins the criticism against the BJP-led center. Congress, through Rahul Gandhi, welcomes the award but calls for a national caste census as a true tribute to Thakur's efforts.

In response, BJP leaders counteraccuse, questioning why Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav, who allegedly played in the lap of Congress, did not secure the award earlier. The BJP emphasizes recognizing individuals for their contributions to the nation, irrespective of political differences. Karpoori Thakur's legacy as a non-Congress socialist leader, credited for initiating Bihar's alcohol prohibition policy, adds depth to the unfolding political drama.