Rahul Gandhi has formally written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting that the Bharat Ratna be posthumously conferred upon Kanshi Ram, the founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). The request was made on March 15, marking the 92nd birth anniversary of the legendary Dalit leader.
Rahul Gandhi described Kanshi Ram as a pivotal figure in Indian history who dedicated his life to the struggle for social equality and the empowerment of marginalized communities. The letter follows a "Samvidhan Sammelan" held recently in Lucknow, where a resolution was passed in the presence of the Congress leader to demand the nation’s highest civilian award for the late leader.
In his message to the Prime Minister, Gandhi highlighted that Kanshi Ram's political and social movements provided a distinct identity and voice to millions of Dalits, Adivasis, and Other Backward Classes. He noted that recognizing this legacy would be a significant step toward acknowledging the ongoing fight for social justice.