Sri Krishna Singh – Bihar has given India many great leaders who have left a lasting impact on the country and the world with his wisdom and vision. One of them was Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India’s first president and one of the prime minds behind the Indian Constitution.
Today, we shall talk about another great leader of Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s era—one who won the hearts of people with his dedication and visionary leadership. He was none other than Bihar’s first Chief Minister, Sri Krishna Singh, popularly known as “Sri Babu.”
Sri Krishna Singh and Mahatma Gandhi
Born in 1887 in Munger, Bihar, Sri Krishna Singh was one of the leading lawyers of his time. However, during the Non-Cooperation Movement, he came into contact with Mahatma Gandhi. Inspired by Gandhiji’s ideals, he left his successful legal career to dedicate his life to India’s freedom struggle.
Sri Krishna Singh actively participated in numerous movements against British rule, for which he was jailed several times. He was jailed along with other agitators during the Simon Commission protests and the Salt Satyagraha. He was jailed once more during the Quit India Movement of 1942.
After working for India’s freedom, he became Bihar’s first Chief Minister in 1946 under the Congress government. He stayed as CM until his death in 1961 and steered numerous development schemes for Bihar.
Bihar Was India’s Second Largest Economy Under His Rule
Under Sri Krishna Singh, Bihar was transformed into one of the best-governed and economically advanced states in India. The state saw colossal growth in sectors like agriculture, education, irrigation, industry, health, and arts. Some of his scant few achievements are:
- India’s First Oil Refinery—Barauni Oil Refinery
- India’s First Fertilizer Plants—Sindri and Barauni Chemical Fertilizer Plants
- Asia’s Largest Engineering Factory Heavy Engineering Corporation, Hatia
- India’s Largest Steel Plant—Bokaro Steel Plant
- Asia’s Largest Railway Yard—Garhara
- First Rail-cum-Road Bridge Post-Independence—Rajendra Bridge
- Principal Agricultural and Educational Hubs—Kosi Project, Pusa & Sabour Agriculture Colleges, Bhagalpur, Ranchi, and Bihar Universities
Sri Krishna Singh Never Asked for Votes in Elections
Sri Krishna Singh’s progressive policies earned him the honor of The Architect of Modern Bihar and The Pioneer of Industrial Revolution in Bihar. He was also instrumental in the abolition of the zamindari system.
One of the most surprising facts regarding him was that he never canvassed in person for votes. Reports suggest that during the 1957 Bihar Assembly elections, when he contested from Barbigha in Sheikhpura district, he told his colleagues:
“I will not ask for votes. If I have worked for the people and they feel I am worthy, they will vote for me. If not, they won’t.”
Despite not campaigning, he won with a landslide and continued to be Bihar’s CM. However, this was his last election since he passed away on January 31, 1961.
Read More: The Indian National Congress: A Comprehensive Analysis
Sri Krishna Singh Legacy Lives On
It is always quoted that while a man’s body dies, his legacy lives on. This is applicable to Sri Krishna Singh, whose contribution to Bihar is unbeatable. His era continues to be considered the golden era of Bihar’s politics and administration.
No political leader today can match the image and clout he had in the eyes of the people of Bihar. His visionary leadership, dedication, and selfless service are a guiding light for the generations to come.
