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Punjab Assembly Unanimously Demands Bharat Ratna for Dalit Icon Kanshi Ram

The Punjab Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Centre to confer the Bharat Ratna on Dalit icon and BSP founder Kanshi Ram. The House also cleared two bills related to crusher unit regulation and a new university. A resolution was adopted condemning casteist remarks made by the Leader of the Opposition against a cabinet minister. Meanwhile, the opposition Congress criticized the Speaker for not allowing a resolution demanding the Bharat Ratna for freedom fighter Bhagat Singh.

Key Points: Punjab Assembly Demands Bharat Ratna for Kanshi Ram

  • Unanimous resolution for Kanshi Ram's Bharat Ratna
  • Two key bills passed by the Assembly
  • Condemnation of casteist remarks against minister
  • Opposition slams rejection of Bhagat Singh resolution
2 min read

Punjab Assembly unanimously demands Bharat Ratna for Kanshi Ram

Punjab Assembly unanimously passes resolution for Bharat Ratna for BSP founder Kanshi Ram. Bills passed, Bhagat Singh honour debated.

"Bhagat Singh was not merely a revolutionary figure from Punjab but a national icon - Partap Singh Bajwa"

Chandigarh, March 16

On the final day of its session on Monday, the Punjab Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the conferment of India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, on Dalit icon and Bahujan Samaj Party founder Kanshi Ram.

Earlier, Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, and Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati had also demanded Bharat Ratna for Kanshi Ram.

During the proceedings on Monday, the House also cleared two Bills. The Punjab Regulation of Crusher Units and Stockists and Retailers (Amendment) Bill, 2026, presented by Water Resources and Mining Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal, was passed by a majority. The Shri Guru Teg Bahadur World Class University, Punjab Bill, 2026, introduced by Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, was passed unanimously.

The House also adopted a resolution strongly condemning the offensive and casteist remarks made by the Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa against Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO. Legislator Manjit Singh Bilaspur had moved the resolution.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa slammed the Speaker for refusing to allow a resolution demanding the Bharat Ratna for Shaheed Bhagat Singh.

Addressing the media, the Congress leader said his party had formally moved a resolution recommending the highest honour for Bhagat Singh in recognition of his sacrifice and role in India's freedom struggle, but it was not taken up by the House.

Bajwa said Bhagat Singh was not merely a revolutionary figure from Punjab but a national icon who symbolised courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of freedom for the entire country. Honouring him with the Bharat Ratna, he said, was long overdue and would be a fitting tribute to one of India's greatest martyrs.

The Congress lawmaker said it was deeply ironic that the AAP government frequently invoked the ideals of Bhagat Singh and claimed to take inspiration from his ideology, yet when an opportunity arose to formally recommend the highest civilian honour for him, the government failed to act.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Why does it have to be either/or? Both Kanshi Ram and Bhagat Singh are giants in their own right. The assembly should have passed both resolutions. Feels like politics overshadowing genuine recognition. 🙄
R
Rohit P
Fully support this! Kanshi Ram's work for social justice changed the political landscape of North India. Giving him Bharat Ratna would be a powerful message. As for Bhagat Singh, his legacy is beyond awards, but he too deserves it. Let's hope the Centre considers both.
S
Sarah B
Reading about the casteist remarks being condemned is as important as the Bharat Ratna news. It's good the assembly took a stand. Progress on social justice needs action on both fronts - honoring icons and checking present-day discrimination.
M
Michael C
The article shows a busy legislative day. Passing bills for crusher units and a new university are concrete governance steps. The Bharat Ratna resolutions, while symbolic, capture the public's attention more. Interesting dynamic.
K
Karthik V
Bajwa has a point about Bhagat Singh. It's ironic. But let's be real, this is all political one-upmanship. When will our assemblies focus less on symbolic resolutions and more on solving Punjab's real issues like water and employment? 🤔

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