On Sunday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi honored Bihar’s former Chief Minister Bhola Paswan Shastri on his birth anniversary. Shastri, a dedicated freedom fighter, led Bihar as chief minister three times between 1968 and 1971. He made history as the first person from the Scheduled Castes to hold that top job in the state.
Rahul Gandhi shared a heartfelt tribute on X, formerly Twitter. “Salutations on the birth anniversary of Bihar’s former Chief Minister and great freedom fighter, Bhola Paswan Shastri Ji,” he wrote. As the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Gandhi praised Shastri’s commitment. “Coming from the Dalit community, Bhola Paswan Ji was a true Congressman, an honest politician, and a dedicated Gandhian, who always raised his voice for social justice, education, and equal opportunities. His life and spirit of public service are an inspiration for all of us.”
Born on September 21, 1914, in the small village of Bairgacchi in Bihar, Shastri grew up in a poor family. Despite the challenges, he chased his dreams, studying at Kashi Vidyapith in Varanasi and earning the respected title “Shastri” after graduation.
Mahatma Gandhi’s ideas shaped Shastri’s path, pulling him into India’s independence movement. He faced jail time several times for standing up against British rule. In 1952, voters sent him to the Bihar Legislative Assembly, launching his political career.
Shastri’s stints as chief minister were brief but impactful: from March to June 1968, June to July 1969, and June 1971 to January 1972. Later, he served in the Rajya Sabha and as Union Minister for Urban Development. In 1978, he took on a pioneering role as the first Chairman of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Commission.
People admired Shastri for his rock-solid integrity—he never chased personal wealth—and his simple lifestyle. He passed away on September 10, 1984, leaving behind a legacy of honesty and fight for equality that still resonates today.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
