Congress' Jairam Ramesh Accuses Sangh of Toppling Karpoori Thakur Government

In a recent political escalation, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh has directly accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Jan Sangh, the BJP's ideological predecessor, of orchestrating the downfall of the Karpoori Thakur government in Bihar in April 1979. The accusation comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Karpoori Gram, the ancestral village of the late Karpoori Thakur, a revered socialist icon, ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections.

Ramesh's statement, posted on X, questions the Prime Minister's motives in honoring Thakur, highlighting the historical antagonism between the Sangh Parivar and the socialist leader. He specifically referred to the period when Thakur, as Chief Minister, introduced reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in 1978, a move that triggered vehement opposition from upper-caste groups allegedly fueled by the Jan Sangh.

"Is it not an acknowledged fact that the Jan Sangh — from which the BJP emerged — brought down Karpoori Thakurji's Government in Bihar in April 1979 when the-then CM introduced reservations for OBCs?" Ramesh questioned. He further added, "Is it not a fact that Karpoori Thakur ji was subjected to the vilest abuse by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Jan Sangh leaders then?”.

Thakur's "Karpoori Thakur Formula," implemented in 1978, granted 26% reservation to OBCs, further dividing it into categories for the "most backward," backward castes, women, and economically weaker sections. This reservation policy, based on the Mungeri Lal Commission report of 1970, was a pioneering effort to address social inequalities.

The Congress leader also raised questions about the Modi government's stance on caste census and its efforts to protect Bihar's 65% reservation law for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs, and EBCs under the Constitution. He accused the government of labeling the demand for a caste census as an "urban Naxal agenda" and of failing to provide constitutional protection to Bihar's reservation law, unlike the Congress government's actions in Tamil Nadu in 1994.

PM Modi addressed a rally in Karpoori Gram, praising Thakur as a "priceless gem" who championed social justice and worked for the upliftment of the poor and marginalized. Modi credited Thakur with connecting the disadvantaged with opportunities and asserted that his government has continued Thakur's mission by empowering deprived sections through education, employment, and economic opportunities.

The BJP's move to confer the Bharat Ratna on Karpoori Thakur posthumously in 2024, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, was interpreted by many as an attempt to consolidate OBC support in Bihar. Thakur, who passed away in 1988, is remembered for his simple lifestyle and commitment to social justice, despite facing political challenges and ultimately losing power.

Ramesh's pointed questions and accusations serve to highlight the complex interplay of caste politics, historical legacies, and contemporary political maneuvering in Bihar, especially as the state gears up for the upcoming Assembly elections. The Congress party is attempting to challenge the BJP's appropriation of Thakur's legacy and remind voters of the historical opposition to his policies by the Sangh Parivar.