The Jannayak Karpoori Thakur: Voice of the Voiceless

Deeply researched, anecdotal and unputdownable, The Jannayak promises to be a beacon for readers seeking to understand the complex landscape of Indian politics and society. Santosh Singh, with Aditya Anmol, blends his formidable journalistic acumen with academic rigour to explain a founding father of affirmative action in post-Independence India. In its brilliant and incisive study of Karpoori Thakur, this book is a must-read for all who want to understand the post-Mandal politics around caste and reservation -- an enduring story of change, empowerment and competition. With this book, Singh establishes himself as one of the foremost chroniclers of politics and society in contemporary Bihar.--Raj Kamal Jha "The Indian Express" Karpoori Thakur, often called Jannayak, was a legendary leader from Bihar who had a significant impact on India’s politics. In early 2024, he was posthumously honoured with the Bharat Ratna in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to society. Commemorating his birth centenary, this gripping biography brings to light the life, legacy and enduring relevance of Thakur. It focuses on Karpoori Thakur’s politics, which introduced ‘quota within quota’ and opens a window to his role in bifurcating reservation among the backward classes and women in 1978.

• | Author: Aditya Anmol, Santosh Singh
• | Publisher: Random House, India
• | Publication Date: May 22, 2024
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• | Binding: Paperback / softback
• | ISBN-13: 9780143467335
• | ISBN-10: 0143467336