Mumbai, Mar 15 (PTI) Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday supported the demand for conferring Bharat Ratna on BSP founder Kanshi Ram, as he hailed contributions made by the BSP founder in uniting and empowering the Bahujan community.
Addressing a press conference on the sidelines of a programme, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said Kanshi Ram worked to secure justice for marginalised communities.
On the occasion of Kanshi Ram’s birth anniversary, Yadav highlighted the need to continue the fight for social justice and equality as envisioned by Dr B. R. Ambedkar and Kanshi Ram.
“Kanshi Ramji followed Ambedkar’s vision to secure rights and justice for marginalised communities. There was a time when Netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav) and Kanshi Ramji formed a joint government in UP, also strengthening the BSP,” he said.
Responding to a query, Yadav said, “We feel Kanshi Ram should be given Bharat Ratna honour.” Yadav disclosed that he aligned with the BSP in 2019 with the aim of supporting “Mayawati as a potential Prime Ministerial candidate, though the alliance didn’t succeed”.
“Kanshi Ramji worked for uniting and empowering the Bahujan community. The Samajwadi Party will uphold these ideals in future political struggles. There is a need to continue the fight for social justice and equality as envisioned by B R Ambedkar and Kanshi Ramji,” the SP leader added. PTI MR NSK
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