New Delhi, March 15 (UNI) Senior leaders of the Congress on Sunday paid tributes to Bahujan movement pioneer Kanshi Ram on his birth anniversary, recalling his historic role in organising Dalits, backward classes and other marginalised communities and bringing their issues into the mainstream of Indian politics.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge described Kanshi Ram as a great social reformer whose work helped empower the oppressed sections of society. In a post on X, Kharge said, “Great social reformer Manyawar Kanshi Ram Ji carried out the historic task of organising Dalits, the deprived, the oppressed, and backward classes, and securing them a dignified place in the mainstream of Indian politics. His contribution to the struggle for social justice and equality will always remain inspiring.”
He added, “On his birth anniversary, we pay our humble tributes to him.”
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also remembered Kanshi Ram as a key figure in the fight for the rights of marginalised communities.
“Salutations and respectful tribute on the birth anniversary of Bahujan leader Manyawar Kanshi Ram Ji,” Gandhi said in a social media post, noting that his “tireless struggle and dedication for the rights of the poor, Dalits, and the marginalised are an inspiration to all of us.”
Gandhi also referred to Kanshi Ram’s emphasis on the importance of constitutional rights for disadvantaged communities. “He believed that the Constitution is the real strength of Dalits, backward classes, and the deprived. That very Constitution is today under threat—those who took an oath on Babasaheb’s Constitution to assume power are themselves bent on weakening it,” he said.
Highlighting Kanshi Ram’s political message, Gandhi added that the late leader’s legacy underscored the importance of representation in power for achieving justice.
“Kanshi Ram Ji’s legacy tells us that justice is not possible without participation in power. This dream of social justice will not remain unfulfilled,” he said, asserting that the Congress party has consistently stood for the dignity, participation and constitutional rights of Bahujan communities.
Kanshi Ram, born in 1934 in Punjab, emerged as one of the most influential leaders of the Dalit movement in post-independence India. He founded the Bahujan Samaj Party and played a pivotal role in mobilising marginalised communities under the broader “Bahujan” identity, advocating political representation and social empowerment for historically disadvantaged groups. His organisational efforts through groups such as the Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation (BAMCEF) and the Dalit Shoshit Samaj Sangharsh Samiti helped lay the foundation for a wider social and political movement.
Kanshi Ram’s ideas significantly shaped Dalit politics in northern India and paved the way for leaders such as Mayawati, who later became Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. His birth anniversary is observed by supporters and political leaders across the country as a reminder of his enduring contribution to the struggle for social justice and equality in India.
