B.P. Mandal (1918-1982), former Chief Minister of Bihar, was born at Madhepura district in Bihar. He had his early education at Darbhanga and higher education at Patna. He worked as a Honorary Magistrate during 1945-61. Though his political career started with the Indian National Congress, he was soon attracted towards the 'Socialist' stream of thought, and joined the Samyukta Socialist Party.