During a TV debate titled “I.N.D.I.A VS N.D.A Alliance: What impact is going to have on Nitish Kumar politics?” on News7 Tamil’s Kelvi Neram show on 29 January 2024, SG Suryah, the State Secretary of Bharatiya Janata Party Tamil Nadu, exposed yet another instance of misinformation by Organisation Secretary of DMK, TKS Elangovan.
The host of the debate Sugitha Sarangaraj questioned TKS Elangovan that “How You and I.N.D.I.A ally See the Alliance Shift, Nitish Kumar?”
TKS Elangovan replied “It was Nitish Kumar who held the first meeting of this alliance in Patna and on that day he made many comments against the BJP, joined the alliance, and held the meeting in a grand scale in Patna. I don’t know what kind of pressure was put on him today. But as far as Bihar is concerned, the BJP is frightened. The departure of Nitish Kumar on the one side, but their newfound affection for Karpoori Thakur, he was an enemy of Jana Sangh, they showed affection for him and gave him an award as well, right? So BJP believes that Bihar will not be in their favour and thus they put pressure on Nitish and today they are keeping Nitish under their control. Last time, there was only one Sushil Modi, today there are two Deputy Chief Ministers from BJP so they are suggesting that you should rule under our control – this is what they want to convey through this.”
He further said that in his view, the award given to Karpoori Thakur, the appointment of two Deputy Chief Ministers, and the evident pressure on Nitish Kumar are indicative of the BJP’s concerns and apprehensions about the political situation in Bihar.
Additionally, he said that Nitish Kumar, a follower of eminent leaders like Lohia, has maintained an anti-BJP and anti-Jana Sangh stance since their inception. They have consistently rejected the policies advocated by the BJP.
In response to TKS Elangovan’s remarks, the host turned to the panel member SG Suryah and asked, “Why does BJP need Nitish Kumar?”
Suryah replied saying, “I found what the senior leader (TKS Elangovan) said about Karpoori Thakur because in 1967, Karpoori Thakur became the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar with the support of our Jana Sangh MLAs and he became the Chief Minister in 1972 and 1977 elections also with Jana Sangh MLAs. Janata Party was started by joining BJP, what he saying is wrong, why because they were anti-Congress minded, never against BJP, in fact, people who have worked with BJP belong to Janata Party so I want to correct that.”
Further, he said if Karpoori Thakur was against BJP there was no need to ally with us three times. Moreover, he stated that if Karpoori Thakur held opposition views towards the BJP and Jana Sangh, there would have been no necessity for allying with us on three occasions.
Following the debate, SG Suryah also posted on his official X handle, he shared the video and wrote, “The instance during the live debate when a senior DMK leader assumed I lacked historical knowledge and provided incorrect information about Karpoori Thakur, and my subsequent correction.”
Dr. SG சூர்யா சின்ன பையன், இவனுக்கு வரலாறு தெரியாது என்று யூகித்து கர்ப்பூரி தாக்கூர் குறித்து தவறான தகவலை கூறிய தி.மு.க மூத்த தலைவரை நேரலை விவாதத்தில் திருத்திய தருணம்! 😌 pic.twitter.com/chpXoDD2Mh
— Dr.SG Suryah (@SuryahSG) January 30, 2024
Who Was Karpoori Thakur?
The late former Chief Minister of Bihar, Karpoori Thakur, received the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, posthumously on 26 January 2024. This prestigious award recognises Karpoori Thakur’s enduring dedication as a champion for the marginalised and a steadfast advocate for equality and empowerment.
Karpoori Thakur, affectionately known as “Jan Nayak” or the people’s hero, gained widespread admiration for his unwavering dedication to the well-being of the common people. He served as Bihar’s Chief Minister twice, earning recognition for championing the cause of the backward classes and implementing policies to empower the underprivileged.
A crucial ally of Jaya Prakash Narayan, Thakur played a pivotal role in the “Total Revolution” movement during the 1975-77 emergency against Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Later in the 1977 Bihar Legislative Assembly election, he aligned himself with the Janata Party, contributing to the alliance’s landslide victory. Thakur served as Chief Minister once again from 1977 to 1979. Subsequently, he affiliated with the Janata Dal.
Despite his passing in February 1988, the current honour bestowed upon him not only recognises his significant contributions but also serves as an inspiration for society to continue his mission of fostering a more just and equitable social order.
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