Bihar boasts of one of the most fascinating political histories in India. As the state heads to Assembly polls later this month, The Indian Express brings a series of articles that tell the history of Bihar politics through the tenure of its 23 chief ministers. This article tells the story of Karpoori Thakur, Bihar’s 11th CM.

The 11th Chief Minister of Bihar, Karpoori Thakur, held the post twice, once for around six months and the next time for under two years. The duration of the tenures little captures the ideological and policy legacy he left behind.

In his lifetime, Thakur saw his stature diminished by the rise of leaders he had mentored, but in the recent decades, he has been claimed and celebrated across party aisles. Among the pantheon of socialist leaders, he is right next to t

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