Jagannath Mishra

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A brief biography

Jagannath Mishra was a prominent Congress leader who served as Chief Minister of Bihar for three terms: 1975–1977, 1980–1983, and 1989–1990. He was Bihar’s 14th Chief Minister, ascending to power after the assassination of his influential brother, L N Mishra. Mishra's tenure was marked by significant political turbulence, including the imposition of the Emergency (1975–77), press censorship, forced sterilizations, and widespread arrests of opposition leaders. His first term ended abruptly with President’s Rule following the Congress defeat in the 1977 Lok Sabha elections.

Mishra returned as Chief Minister in 1980 after Indira Gandhi’s comeback, but his autonomy was limited by the Congress high command. Notably, his government introduced the controversial Bihar Press Bill in 1982, aiming to curb what it called blackmail journalism, but it faced fierce opposition and was ultimately withdrawn. Internal party struggles and strained relations with central leadership led to his resignation in 1983.

He was brought back as CM for a third term in late 1989, hoping to retain support from Muslim voters, earning him the nickname "Maulana Mishra" from rivals. However, his efforts could not prevent a sweeping Janata Dal victory led by Lalu Prasad Yadav in 1990, ending Congress rule in Bihar. Mishra later served as a Union Minister and his later years were overshadowed by a conviction in the Fodder Scam, serving time in prison until his death in November 2019. His political legacy continues through his son Nitish Mishra, who represents Jhanjharpur and holds ministerial office in Bihar as of 2025.indianexpress​