Saralnama
Bhola Paswan Shastri was the first Dalit Chief Minister of Bihar, serving three brief terms between 1968 and 1971. Despite the short durations, his leadership was historically significant as he broke caste barriers in Bihar politics. Shastri was a member of the Indian National Congress and represented the Korha constituency. His tenures collectively lasted less than 11 months. His ancestral home remains a political discussion point in his native region, reflecting his lasting legacy among Dalit communities. Bihar has had 23 chief ministers since 1946, with Nitish Kumar currently serving as the longest-incumbent CM. The state’s political landscape continues to evolve with upcoming elections in 2025, where Dalit representation remains a key factor. (Updated 28 Aug 2025, 14:05 IST; source: link)