Bihar government’s caste-based survey forced the Centre to confer Bharat Ratna on Karpoori Thakur, according to Deputy CM Tejashwi Prasad Yadav. Yadav claimed that the fear prevailing in BJP demonstrates their acknowledgement of the survey’s impact. He expressed joy at the victory for his party and mentioned RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav had been demanding Bharat Ratna for Karpoori Thakur for years. Yadav stated this during an event commemorating Karpoori’s 100th anniversary.

Lalu Prasad Yadav shared his memories of his long association with Karpoori Thakur and how the latter faced harassment and mistreatment in Vidhan Sabha for advocating for reservations for backward and most backward class people in Bihar. Karpoori also demanded the implementation of the Mandal Commission report. Lalu expressed his unwavering support for Karpoori, as he believed in giving a voice to the poor and people from suppressed communities. Lalu mentioned that Karpoori Thakur had once said that he would make something out of Lalu and that he would be known across villages.