Patna: The Bihar Pradesh Congress Scheduled Caste wing has demanded that former Bihar Chief Minister Bhola Paswan Shastri be awarded the Bharat Ratna.
The organisation has also called for a statue of Shastri to be installed at a prominent location in Patna and for a museum dedicated to his life and legacy to be established in the state capital.
The demands were raised by Ravindra Kumar Paswan, president of the Bihar Pradesh Congress Scheduled Caste wing. He warned that the organisation would launch an agitation across Bihar if the demands were not accepted.
Bhola Paswan Shastri Served as Bihar CM Three Times
Bhola Paswan Shastri served as Bihar Chief Minister three times. According to the Bihar Chief Minister’s official website, his three terms were from March 22 to June 29, 1968; June 22 to July 4, 1969; and June 2, 1971 to January 9, 1972.
Historical accounts identify Shastri as Bihar’s first Dalit Chief Minister. He first assumed the post in 1968 and returned as Chief Minister twice more during periods of political instability in the state.
Congress Seeks Museum to Preserve His Legacy
The Congress Scheduled Caste wing has also demanded the construction of a museum in Patna dedicated to Bhola Paswan Shastri.
The organisation said such a museum could document his political journey, social contributions and public life for future generations. A similar demand for a museum and a prominent statue was also reported ahead of a proposed birth anniversary programme for Shastri.
Party Alleges His Contributions Have Been Forgotten
Ravindra Kumar Paswan alleged that the current government has failed to adequately recognise Shastri’s contribution to Bihar.
He also claimed that descendants of the former Chief Minister continue to live in difficult conditions and alleged that they had not received the benefits of housing schemes. These claims were made by the Congress leader and have not been independently verified.
Demand Comes Ahead of Birth Anniversary
The demand comes around Bhola Paswan Shastri’s birth anniversary, which falls on September 21. The Congress Scheduled Caste wing has announced a programme in Patna to mark the occasion. A recent report said the organisation expected thousands of people from across Bihar to attend the event.
Shastri’s political legacy has also received recognition in government publications. A 2025 issue of New India Samachar described him as Bihar’s first Dalit Chief Minister and noted that he served as Chief Minister three times.
Congress Warns of Statewide Agitation
The Congress Scheduled Caste wing has said that failure to act on its demands would lead to a larger movement across Bihar.
The demands include the Bharat Ratna for Bhola Paswan Shastri, a prominent statue in Patna and a museum dedicated to his life and legacy.
