"Played historic role in uniting Bahujan Samaj": Mayawati pays tribute to Kanshi Ram on birth anniversary
Lucknow, March 15
Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Sunday paid tribute to the founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party, Kanshi Ram, on his birth anniversary, underlining his key role in uniting the oppressed and marginalised caste into the collective identity of the 'Bahujan Samaj'.
In a post on X, Mayawati said that Kanshi Ram dedicated his entire life to the mission of taking forward the ideas and movement of the revered BR Ambedkar.
"On the occasion of the birth anniversary of the founder and architect of the Bahujan Samaj Party (B.S.P.), the revered Shri Kanshi Ram Ji, I, along with my leadership, offer a hundred salutations and boundless tributes of reverence from his followers across Uttar Pradesh and the entire country," she said in a post on X.
"He dedicated his entire life to the mission of taking forward the ideas and movement of the revered Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, keeping them alive across the country and striving to carry his caravan forward towards the destination of political power. He continuously fought a tough struggle and played a historic role in uniting people who had been divided and oppressed on the basis of caste into the collective identity of the 'Bahujan Samaj'," she added.
Mayawati reaffirmed her resolve to strengthen the BSP's movement for "social transformation and economic emancipation".
She then appealed to the people of the Bahujan Samaj to join the BSP movement and become dedicated and honest Ambedkarites and to use the power of their votes to obtain the "master key" of political power.
"This will enable them to implement on the ground the rights granted in the Constitution by BR Ambedkar for the welfare, upliftment, protection and self-respect of the Bahujans of the country," she said.
Kanshi Ram, the founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), was born on March 15, 1934, in Punjab. He dedicated his life to uplifting the marginalised sections of society and empowering the Bahujan Samaj.
From an early age, Kanshi Ram displayed a deep sense of empathy and compassion towards the plight of oppressed communities. He recognised the inherent inequalities perpetuated by the caste system and resolved to challenge the status quo through organised political action.
In 1984, Kanshi Ram founded the Bahujan Samaj Party with the objective of uniting the Bahujan Samaj, comprising Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and Religious Minorities, into a formidable political force.
He remained steadfast in his commitment to the cause of social transformation and economic emancipation. He tirelessly mobilised support among the Bahujan communities, inspiring millions to join the movement for equality and justice.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Respectful tributes are due, but one must also ask if the current BSP leadership is truly carrying forward that legacy on the ground. The movement seems to have lost its momentum and connection with the youth. The ideals are great, but execution matters.
As someone from a non-Dalit background, I have immense respect for Kanshi Ram's political acumen. He built a party from scratch that actually formed a government in UP. That's no small feat. His focus on 'Bahujan' identity over just caste was a masterstroke.
My grandfather used to tell stories about the early BSP rallies. The sense of hope they created was palpable. Kanshi Ram made people believe they could claim their rightful place in the system. That psychological shift is his biggest contribution.
The idea of uniting SC, ST, OBC, and minorities under one banner is more relevant today than ever. But political fragmentation is high. We need a new, inclusive movement inspired by his principles for the 21st century.
Jai Bhim! Remembering the great Manyawar Kanshi Ram ji on his birth anniversary. His life's work is a guidebook for social empowerment. Mayawati ji is right to remind us of the 'master key' of political power. Our vote is our weapon. ✊
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