Shri Krishna Singh and Bihar Politics

Shri Krishna Singh, popularly known as “Bihar Kesari,” was the first Chief Minister of Bihar and a key architect of modern Bihar’s political and industrial landscape. A prominent leader of the Indian National Congress, he led the state from 1946 until his death in 1961. His tenure was marked by pioneering land reforms, the establishment of massive public sector heavy industries, and deep-rooted contributions to the Indian freedom struggle.

Early Life and Freedom Struggle

Academic Background and Legal Career

• Shri Krishna Singh was born on October 21, 1887, in Maur village, Munger district (now in Sheikhpura district), Bihar.
• He completed his education at Patna College and obtained his law degree from Patna University.
• He began practicing law at the Munger bar in 1915, but abandoned his legal career in 1921 to join the non-violent freedom movement.

Entry into Mass Agitations

• Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922): Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, he spearheaded the movement in Bihar, organizing peasant rallies and student strikes.
• Salt Satyagraha (1930): He led the Salt Satyagraha at Garhpura in Begusarai district, where he was arrested and suffered severe police beatings.
• Quit India Movement (1942): He organized underground activities and rural mobilization across Bihar, resulting in his prolonged imprisonment in Hazaribagh Jail.

First Congress Ministry and Legislative Leadership

Premier of Bihar (1937–1939)

• Following the provincial elections under the Government of India Act 1935, Shri Krishna Singh took charge as the first Premier of Bihar on July 20, 1937.
• His administration resigned in October 1939 in protest against the British government dragging India into World War II without consulting representative leaders.

Major Administrative Achievements (1937–1939)

• Temple Entry for Dalits: He led the historic movement allowing Dalit entry into the Baidyanath Temple at Deoghar in 1937.
• Political Prisoners Release: He successfully pressured the British Governor to release political prisoners arrested during revolutionary agitations.
• Agrarian Relief: He introduced early tenancy reform measures to protect tenant farmers from arbitrary rent hikes by zamindars.

Chief Ministership of Post-Independence Bihar (1946–1961)

Land Reforms and Zamindari Abolition

• Bihar became the first state in independent India to pass the Bihar Land Reforms Act in 1950 to abolish the Zamindari system.
• Under his leadership, the state government fought legal battles up to the Supreme Court to defend land reform legislation against landlord challenges.

Industrialization and Infrastructure Development

Shri Krishna Singh collaborated with his deputy Chief Minister, Anugrah Narayan Sinha, to establish major heavy industries and public sector enterprises:

• Barauni Thermal Power Station & Refinery: Set up in Begusarai to boost state energy capacity and petroleum processing.
• Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC): Established at Ranchi (now in Jharkhand) to build heavy industrial machinery.
• Bokaro Steel Plant: Planned and conceptualized during his tenure to expand India’s steel manufacturing capacity.
• Sindri Fertilizer Factory: Built in Dhanbad to supply agricultural fertilizers for national food security.
• Mokama Bridge (Rajendra Setu): Constructed over the Ganga river to connect North and South Bihar by rail and road.

Key Offices and Leadership Timeline

Key Exam Facts

• Shri Krishna Singh was earned the title “Bihar Kesari” (Lion of Bihar) for his leadership during the independence movement.
• He served as a member of the Constituent Assembly of India, contributing to debates on federalism and state rights.
• Bihar was the first state in India to pass legislation abolishing the Zamindari system under his administration in 1950.
• He led Dalit worshipers into the famous Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar in 1937, breaking traditional social barriers.
• He served as the Chief Minister of Bihar continuously from April 2, 1946, until his death on January 31, 1961.
• He worked in tandem with Dr. Anugrah Narayan Sinha, who served as the first Finance Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar.
• The Rajendra Setu over the River Ganga at Mokama, opened in 1959, was the first bridge linking North Bihar and South Bihar.