Bihar is known for its rich history, culture, and smart minds. But did you know that Bihar has also given India many great political leaders? These leaders worked hard for the people, raised their voices for the poor, and helped shape the future of both Bihar and India.
Some of them fought for India’s freedom, while others brought big changes after independence. They came from small towns and villages, but their work made a big difference in the country.
From Dr. Rajendra Prasad, our first President, to Nitish Kumar, who changed Bihar’s roads and schools these leaders are not just famous, they are respected across India.
In this article, we will learn about 10 famous politicians from Bihar who made the state proud and left their mark on Indian politics.
1. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Place: Zeradei, Siwan
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India and one of the tallest leaders during the freedom movement.
- Born in a simple farming family, he was brilliant in academics and earned a doctorate in law.
- Played a leading role in the Indian National Congress and the Quit India Movement.
- As President, he laid the foundation of Indian democracy after independence.
- He was deeply respected for his honesty, humility, and simplicity.
Legacy: A national icon and the only President to serve two full terms. Bharat Ratna recipient.
2. Jayaprakash Narayan (JP)
Place: Sitab Diara, Saran
Known as Loknayak, JP was a revolutionary thinker and freedom fighter.
- Initially inspired by Marxism, he later followed Gandhian ideals.
- Led the Total Revolution Movement in 1974 against corruption and injustice.
- His movement united students, workers, and politicians across India.
- Strongly opposed the Emergency declared by Indira Gandhi.
Legacy: His movement brought leaders like Lalu Yadav, Nitish Kumar, and Sushil Modi into politics.
3. Karpoori Thakur
Place: Pitaunjhia, Samastipur
Known as Jan Nayak, Karpoori Thakur was a strong voice for backward classes.
- Became Chief Minister of Bihar twice (1970 & 1977).
- Introduced reservation for backward castes in jobs and education.
- Opposed liquor and promoted prohibition laws.
- Lived in a modest home, never ran after power or luxury.
Legacy: Regarded as a father figure of social justice politics. Honored posthumously with Bharat Ratna in 2024.
4. Nitish Kumar
Place: Bakhtiyarpur, Patna
Popularly called “Sushasan Babu”, Nitish Kumar brought development and governance reforms to Bihar.
- Served multiple terms as Chief Minister since 2005.
- Known for improving roads, law & order, girl education, and electricity.
- Launched schemes like Mukhyamantri Balika Cycle Yojana and Saat Nischay Yojana.
- Also served as Union Minister of Railways.
Legacy: Changed Bihar’s image from a “lawless” state to a developing one. Still active in state politics.
5. Lalu Prasad Yadav
Place: Phulwaria, Gopalganj
Lalu Yadav is one of the most popular mass leaders from Bihar.
- Became Chief Minister in 1990 and served as Union Railway Minister.
- Represented the voice of backward classes and rural India.
- Known for giving people a strong sense of identity and pride.
- Made Indian Railways profitable and earned global recognition.
Legacy: Despite controversies and jail time, his charisma and connect with the poor remain strong. Founder of RJD.
6. Sushil Kumar Modi
Place: Patna
Sushil Modi is a senior BJP leader known for clean politics and budget management.
- Served as Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar for nearly 10 years.
- A key player in the BJP-JDU alliance that ruled Bihar.
- Helped bring reforms in taxation, financial systems, and digital governance.
- Respected for his calm and efficient leadership style.
Legacy: Seen as the man behind Nitish Kumar’s stable rule in Bihar.
7. Ram Vilas Paswan
Place: Shaharbanni, Khagaria
A Dalit leader and founder of Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), Ram Vilas Paswan was a popular national-level politician.
- Started his career in the 1960s with Samyukta Socialist Party.
- Elected to Lok Sabha 9 times.
- Held portfolios in Railways, Telecom, and Consumer Affairs in various central governments.
- Known for building bridges between castes and classes.
Legacy: A strong voice for Dalits and underprivileged. His son Chirag Paswan continues his political legacy.
8. Ravi Shankar Prasad
Place: Patna
Ravi Shankar Prasad is a senior BJP leader, lawyer, and former Union Minister.
- Played key roles in major reforms like Digital India and Aadhaar.
- Held important ministries: Law & Justice, IT, Telecom.
- Known for strong speeches in Parliament and for being a constitutional expert.
- Represented India at international legal forums.
Legacy: Helped shape India’s tech policy and legal infrastructure.
9. Jagjivan Ram
Place: Chandwa, Arrah (Bhojpur)
A freedom fighter and Dalit icon, Jagjivan Ram was one of India’s most senior and longest-serving cabinet ministers.
- Held major ministries like Defence, Agriculture, Labour, and Railways.
- Played a key role in India’s victory in the 1971 war against Pakistan.
- Founded the Congress for Democracy and later merged it with Janata Party.
- A leader who broke caste barriers in politics.
Legacy: A true symbol of equality and progress. His daughter Meira Kumar became India’s first woman Lok Sabha Speaker.
10. George Fernandes
Political Base: Muzaffarpur, Bihar (Born in Mangalore, Karnataka)
George Fernandes was a firebrand leader, trade unionist, and former Defence Minister of India.
- Arrested during Emergency for leading anti-government protests.
- Served as MP from Muzaffarpur and other Bihar constituencies.
- Played a key role in India’s nuclear tests and Kargil War planning.
- Known for his simple lifestyle and love for common people.
Legacy: A fearless leader who stood up for the poor and workers.
Conclusion
These 10 politicians from Bihar have written golden chapters in the political history of India. Whether through governance, activism, or social justice — they shaped India’s future and continue to inspire new generations.
Their stories prove that leadership is not about power, but about purpose. Bihar will always be proud of them.
