Jan Suraaj Party leader Prashant Kishor on Tuesday called for Bihar’s first chief minister, the late Shri Krishna Singh, to be honored with India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna.
Kishor made this demand while addressing a gathering in Sheikhpura, the home district of Singh, who is affectionately known as 'Shri Babu'. Singh served as Bihar’s chief minister until his passing in 1961 and is remembered for his contributions to the state’s administration.
Speaking at the event, Kishor emphasised Singh’s pivotal role in shaping Bihar’s governance during his tenure.
"Shri Babu deserves the Bharat Ratna for his immense contributions to Bihar, which was once among the best-administered states in the country. His leadership brought prosperity and progress, but unfortunately, Bihar has seen a steady decline since then. The Jan Suraaj Party is committed to restoring the state’s lost glory and reviving the spirit of good governance that Shri Babu championed," Kishor asserted.
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Kishor’s demand for Bharat Ratna for Singh also carries political significance. As an upper-caste Brahmin himself, his appeal can be seen as an attempt to consolidate support among the Bhumihar community, to which Shri Krishna Singh belonged.
The Bhumihars, a dominant segment among Bihar’s upper castes, historically aligned with the Congress but have largely shifted their allegiance to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the past few decades.
By championing the legacy of Shri Krishna Singh, Kishor aims to reconnect with this influential voter base while reinforcing his party’s vision for Bihar’s resurgence.
The demand for Bharat Ratna is likely to spark political discussions, especially as parties vie for electoral support ahead of future state and national elections.
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