The Congress party welcomed the posthumous conferment of the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, to former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh mentioned that the award reflects the Modi government's desperation and hypocrisy. Ramesh highlighted Thakur's role as a champion of social justice and advocated for a nationwide caste census as an appropriate tribute to him.
In a post on social media platform X, Ramesh stated that Rahul Gandhi has consistently advocated for a nationwide caste census, considering it a starting point for the "Bhagidari Nyay" pillar of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. He criticized the Modi government for refusing to release the results of the Socio-Economic Caste Census 2011 and for not committing to conducting an updated nationwide caste census.
Karpoori Thakur, a two-time Bihar chief minister, was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna on the eve of his birth centenary. Thakur, known as 'Jan Nayak' (people's leader), played a significant role in Bihar politics and is credited for enforcing total prohibition of alcohol in 1970. The Congress party sees the nationwide caste census as a fitting tribute to his legacy.
(With Agency Inputs)
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