Lucknow: Rahul Gandhi has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking the Bharat Ratna for Dalit leader Kanshi Ram, who founded the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).
“I demand that the Government of India honour the great warrior of social justice and the guiding light of Bahujan consciousness, the esteemed Shri Kanshi Ram ji, with the Bharat Ratna. This highest national honour will be a tribute to Shri Kanshi Ram ji and the entire movement that showed millions of Bahujans the path to rights, participation, and self-respect,” the Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha wrote on X, sharing his letter to the PM, on the 92nd birth anniversary of Kanshi.
Congress party’s demand for India’s highest civilian honour to be conferred on Kanshi posthumously comes a year ahead of Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh.
The Dalits constitute about 20% of UP’s electorate, and play a major role in deciding the outcome of Assembly polls in the state.
Rahul attended an event in Lucknow on March 13, which party leaders said signalled the start of the Congress’ campaign pitch for the 2027 polls.
Images and posters of Kanshi, who passed away in October 2006, have been put up across districts, with party president Mayawati reminding voters that Kanshi Ram built the party as a vehicle for social justice, and she was his chosen successor.
In his letter to the PM, Rahul wrote: “Kanshi Ram ji transformed the nature of Indian politics. Through his movements, he raised political awareness among Bahujans and the poor. He reminded them that their vote, voice, and representation are important, and that this country belongs to everyone equally.”
The Congress leader pointed out that it was because of Kanshi’s efforts that “many people who had never considered entering public life began to see politics as a means to achieve justice and equality”.
“For many years, Dalit intellectuals, leaders, and activists have called for Kanshi Ram ji to be honoured with the Bharat Ratna. Their demand has been consistent and deeply felt. Recently, I attended a programme in Lucknow where this demand was reiterated strongly by the leaders and participants present, reflecting a widespread sentiment,” Rahul further wrote.
