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5 min readMay 12, 2025

Shri Krishna Singh: The Architect of Modern Bihar

In 1990, Bihar’s political landscape was turbulent. Lalu Prasad Yadav emerged as Chief Minister after intense internal pressure and power struggles. Ram Sundar Das, who had contested against Yadav, remained a “CM-in-waiting,” as his votes were undercut by Lalu’s close aide, Raghunath Jha. In a three-cornered contest, Yadav won by a narrow margin. The election was marred by horse-trading, vote-buying, and even physical violence — Bihar witnessed it all.

Despite the chaos, people hoped that Bihar, which had seen over 23 Chief Ministers in 29 years (from 1962 to 1989), would finally enjoy a stable government. In contrast to this instability, Shri Krishna Singh — revered as Bihar Kesari — remains the only leader to have ruled Bihar with lasting political stability. Since his passing, no political formation has completed a continuous five-year term. Political instability has severely hampered Bihar’s development.

With much fanfare, Lalu Prasad Yadav took oath, but the contrast was stark. The deterioration of political culture was palpable. Rewind to 1957: After the conclusion of the state election, Anugrah Narayan Singh — a towering leader in Bihar — challenged incumbent CM Shri Krishna Singh. While his rivals lobbied for support, Singh sat quietly in his room, reading. It remains one of the most touching anecdotes from his life. His refusal to solicit MLA support showcased his integrity and composure. When the votes were cast, he was re-elected. His first visitor? His opponent, Anugrah Narayan Singh. That was the Bihar of yesteryears — where rivalry didn’t erode respect.

Unlike Lalu Prasad Yadav, whose quest for power was marked by ambition and ruthlessness, Shri Babu led with humility and grace. This wasn’t an isolated act of selflessness. In 1923, during the municipal elections in Bihar, a young and idealistic Krishna Singh began his political journey in Munger. Though elected, he offered the chairman’s post to Muhammad Shah Zubair, a barrister and elder he respected — who later became the grandfather of Congress leader Tariq Anwar. Zubair stood beside Singh as a pillar of strength for the Congress in the region.

These stories underscore the decline in Bihar’s political ethics. Holding on to a moral compass has become rare, and principles often take a back seat to caste dynamics and personal gain. It is crucial, therefore, to look into the past and draw inspiration from figures like Shri Babu. History not only reflects our present — it can also light the way forward.

The Gandhian in Governance

Krishna Singh’s tenure as Chief Minister began in 1935 under British rule — a time when forming a government under colonial oversight was both controversial and daunting. Yet, he stood firm. His first actions reflected his values: slashing ministers’ salaries from ₹5,000 to ₹500 and mandating second or third-class travel for government officials. These weren’t mere austerity measures — they were symbolic steps to bring governance closer to the common man, reminding all that ministers are public servants, not rulers.

In his first month, he ordered the release of all freedom fighters imprisoned under the oppressive Bihar Safety Act and lifted bans on over 50 books. These decisions heralded a new, freer Bihar.

A Revolutionary with a Vision

Long before “social justice” became a political slogan, Shri Krishna Singh was already living it. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, he opened the gates of the sacred Baidyanath Dham temple in Deoghar to Dalits — an act of immense courage. At a time when caste rigidity ruled society, Singh’s decision was revolutionary. When Vinoba Bhave faced violence while trying to enter the same temple with Dalits, it was Shri Babu’s government that arrested the six main perpetrators, sending a strong message of justice.

The Scholar-Statesman

In stark contrast to today’s election-focused politics, Shri Krishna Singh envisioned long-term development. He revitalized Sabour Agricultural University — defunct since 1908 — making it the first agricultural university established after Independence. He established Agricultural Research institutions in Ranchi and Muzaffarpur to strengthen the scientific foundation of agriculture and enhance its productivity.

His commitment to higher education was equally strong. Under his leadership, Patna University was restructured, and new universities were founded in Ranchi, Bhagalpur, and Darbhanga. These were not token gestures — they became centers of excellence, attracting intellectuals from across India. Ganga facing Patna University sparked both calmness and limitless ambitions.

Singh also established premier research centers such as the K.P. Jaiswal Research Institute, Anugrah Narayan Singh Social Science Research Institute, Vaishali Prakrit Jain Research Institute, Nalanda Pali Research Institute, Mithila Sanskrit Research Institute, and the Tribal Research Institute in Ranchi. How often do we hear of today’s leaders showing such dedication to academic and research institutions?

A Builder of Industry and Statesmanship

Shri Krishna Babu’s economic vision was far ahead of its time. At a time when Bihar is caught in a poverty trap, his model of economic progress needs to be read with sincerity. Bihar was among India’s five most economically progressive states, and that was no accident. He was instrumental in bringing Asia’s largest engineering factory to Ranchi, establishing India’s largest steel plant in Bokaro. The Sindri Fertilizer Plant and the Barauni Oil Refinery were other major centres. Begusarai,a district in Bihar with per capita income of around 50,000 INR as of today, bloomed as the major industrial hub attracting more than 50 small & big industries. This apart from other centres such as Jamshedpur, Bokaro, Dhanbad, Sindri, and Bhagalpur. These initiatives boosted the economy and put Bihar on the national map.

He famously said, “Socialism and equal distribution of wealth is a far-fetched dream unless we generate more and more wealth.” Even today, it is rare to find a leader who emphasizes the need for wealth creation as strongly.

A Legacy to Remember, A Direction to Reclaim

Shri Krishna Singh didn’t just build roads, factories, or universities. He built institutions, values, and a collective sense of purpose. He envisioned a Bihar rooted in knowledge, equality, and prosperity — a vision that feels painfully distant today.

When political tensions overwhelmed him, he would often retreat to the ashram of Swami Sahjananda Saraswati in Bihta for reflection and solace. The caste-based politics that plagued his time disturbed him deeply. For him, the ashram was a sanctuary — a place of contemplation.

It’s impossible to capture the full scope of Shri Babu’s life in a single article. But one thing is clear: Bihar must rediscover and celebrate its true heroes. In an age dominated by short-term populism, Krishna Babu’s legacy is both a rebuke and a beacon. His story is not just history — it is a mirror for today’s leaders and a compass for Bihar’s future.

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