During which periods did Karpoori Thakur serve as the Chief Minister of Bihar?

December 1970-June 1971 and June 1977-April 1979

Karpoori Thakur (1924-1988) was a prominent figure who served as the Chief Minister of Bihar during two distinct periods: from December 1970 to June 1971, and again from June 1977 to April 1979. He was not only a dedicated Freedom Fighter but also a notable socialist leader, actively involved in labor and peasant movements. Thakur held a firm allegiance to the ideologies propagated by Ram Manohar Lohia and played an integral role in various movements, including the one led by Jayaprakash Narayan (JP).

One of his significant contributions was his decision to implement reservations for backward classes during his second term as Chief Minister. This move aimed to uplift and provide opportunities for marginalized sections of society in Bihar. Furthermore, Thakur was a staunch advocate for the promotion of regional languages and a strong critic of the imposition of the English language.