"His biggest contribution to the nation was protecting democracy. Could a mazdoor like me become chief minister if there was no democracy?" Das asked.
Hailing JP on his 113th birth anniversary, he said JP's life had been inspirational and everyone should renew the pledge to protect democracy.
Speaking at a programme here, Das recalled how JP inspired Chambal dacoits to surrender and was also instrumental in Naga peace accord.
Asking them to make the poor aware of the government's welfare projects, he said his government has decided to felicitate those who had participated in the JP movement.