
Best History Notes on Bihar’s Role in the JP Movement (1974) for BPSC and for other Competitive Exams aspirants in 2025
History of Bihar-24
Here is a detailed explanation of Bihar’s role in the JP Movement (1974) one of the most defining mass movements in India’s post-independence political history , focusing on causes, key events, leaders, and impact.
What Was the JP Movement
- Also known as “Sampoorna Kranti” (Total Revolution).
- A mass protest movement initiated in 1974 by Jayaprakash Narayan (JP).
- Aimed at ending corruption, misrule, price rise, unemployment, and political authoritarianism.
- Originated in Bihar and later spread across India, becoming a national movement.
Historical Context
Aspect | Description |
Political backdrop | Discontent with Congress-led governments (both Centre and Bihar), allegations of misrule and corruption. |
Economic issues | Sharp price rise, unemployment, and economic stagnation post-1971 war and oil crisis. |
Student agitation | In March 1974, Bihar students protested against rising fees, unemployment, and lack of facilities. This led to the formation of the Bihar Chhatra Sangharsh Samiti (BCSS). |
Appeal to JP | Students invited Jayaprakash Narayan, a Gandhian leader, to guide the movement. |
Key Role of Jayaprakash Narayan
Role | Details |
Moral authority | JP had renounced politics in the 1950s, giving him moral credibility as a selfless leader. |
Mass mobilizer | He transformed a student agitation into a people’s movement against misgovernance. |
Gandhian methods | Emphasized non-violence, civil disobedience, and satyagraha. |
Call for “Total Revolution” | Advocated change in education, politics, economy, morality, administration, and culture. |
Major Events in Bihar (1974–75)
Date | Event |
18 March 1974 | Students in Patna launched protests against misgovernance and inflation. |
8 April 1974 | Formation of Bihar Chhatra Sangharsh Samiti (Lalu Prasad Yadav was a key student leader). |
5 June 1974 | JP addressed a massive rally at Gandhi Maidan, Patna , formally launched the “Total Revolution”. |
June–Sept 1974 | Strikes, gheraos, hartals across Bihar and other states, demand for Bihar govt’s resignation. |
Nov 1974 | JP launched rail roko and civil disobedience; called for peaceful revolution. |
Major Leaders and Participants from Bihar
Leader | Role |
Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) | Supreme leader of the movement, ideologue and strategist. |
Lalu Prasad Yadav | Student leader from Patna University, key in organizing protests. |
Nitish Kumar | Active youth participant in JP movemen, later became CM. |
Sharad Yadav | Became MP as a product of the JP wave (Jabalpur by-election, 1974). |
Sushil Kumar Modi | Student activist, later BJP leader. |
Ravi Shankar Prasad | Student leader and later Union Minister. |





Government Response
- CM of Bihar: Abdul Ghafoor (Congress) during peak unrest.
- Bihar government tried to suppress the protests, leading to mass arrests, police lathi charge, and censorship.
- Central government under Indira Gandhi saw it as a threat to national stability.
Role of Bihar in the National Movement
Feature | Impact |
Epicentre of JP Movement | The movement began and remained strongest in Bihar. |
Student mobilization | Bihar’s youth led the call for change, gave birth to a generation of political leaders. |
Catalyst for national unrest | Inspired similar agitations in Gujarat, UP, Punjab, Delhi. |
Reason for Emergency | The mass civil unrest from the JP Movement directly contributed to Indira Gandhi declaring Emergency (June 1975). |
Impact and Legacy
Area | Impact |
New political leadership | Gave rise to Lalu, Nitish, Sushil Modi, Ram Vilas Paswan, etc. |
End of Congress dominance | Congress weakened in Bihar, set stage for Janata Party victory in 1977. |
Democratization | Movement encouraged grassroots participation and awareness. |
Link to Emergency | JP’s criticism and mass protests led to Emergency (1975–77) and suspension of civil liberties. |
Quick Revision Table
Topic | Key Points |
Name of Movement | JP Movement or Total Revolution |
Year | 1974–75 |
State of Origin | Bihar |
Main Organization | Bihar Chhatra Sangharsh Samiti (BCSS) |
Key Date | 5 June 1974 – Patna Gandhi Maidan rally |
Leader | Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) |
Main Slogan | “Sampoorna Kranti ab nahin, to kab?” |
Outcome | Mass mobilization, indirect cause of Emergency |
Important Quote
“Sampoorna Kranti ab nahin to kab?“
— Jayaprakash Narayan, Patna, 5 June 1974
Major lakes of Bihar