New Delhi, March 15: The demand for conferring the Bharat Ratna on Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) founder Kanshi Ram intensified on his birth anniversary this Sunday, with both Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati urging the government to recognize the Dalit leader with the highest civilian award.

Rahul Gandhi wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting the posthumous conferral of the Bharat Ratna on Kanshi Ram. In his letter, he highlighted the significance of the Dalit icon’s contributions to Indian society and politics.

Meanwhile, BSP chief Mayawati reiterated her call for the recognition, emphasizing that the government should not repeat the mistake made by the Congress party in denying the Bharat Ratna to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of India’s Constitution. In a statement issued by the BSP, Mayawati said, “Just as the Congress failed to honor Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar with the Bharat Ratna, the BJP-led government should not delay in bestowing the same honor upon Kanshi Ramji, who worked tirelessly for the empowerment of the Bahujan community.”

Both leaders have voiced strong support for Kanshi Ram’s legacy and believe that he deserves the nation’s highest civilian recognition for his pivotal role in championing the rights of Dalits and other marginalized groups.