Lucknow, Oct 9 — Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) National President Mayawati reiterated her demand to confer the Bharat Ratna upon party founder Kanshi Ram on his Mahaparinirvan Diwas (death anniversary).
Describing the Bahujan Samaj as her true family, she reaffirmed her resolve to keep the party and the movement free from dynastic politics and to transform the Bahujan Samaj into a ruling class through the "master key" to power.
Mayawati appealed to party workers to mobilise with full vigour in view of the upcoming Assembly elections. She also highlighted issues such as poverty, inflation, unemployment, and illiteracy, urging governments to fulfil their responsibilities in key areas of public welfare.
Mayawati paid floral tributes to Kanshi Ram's statue at an event held at the BSP's central camp office at 9 Mall Avenue, Lucknow, and pledged to carry forward his ideas and mission.
Several senior party office-bearers, including BSP National Coordinator Akash Anand, were present on the occasion.
Mayawati stated that for her, the crores of people belonging to the Bahujan Samaj constitute her true family, and the interests, welfare, and dignity of this community are paramount. She noted that Kanshi Ram dedicated his entire life to advancing the caravan of self-respect and dignity championed by Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar.
She added that Kanshi Ram struggled throughout his life to transform the Bahujan Samaj from an exploited class into a ruling class and to realise the constitutional "Bahujan Era" on the ground.
She affirmed that she would never let the trust he placed in her by declaring her his successor be compromised. Referencing Kanshi Ram's teachings, she emphasised that the Bahujan Samaj would attain power not through anyone's mercy or benevolence, but through the strength of the voting rights granted by the Constitution; therefore, safeguarding the right to vote is crucial.
Referring to the upcoming Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab, Mayawati urged party office-bearers and workers to dedicate themselves fully, in body, mind, and resources, to the cause. She remarked that taking Kanshi Ram's mission to its ultimate goal would be the true tribute to him.
Mayawati reiterated her demand that the Central government confer the country's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, upon Kanshi Ram. She argued that this honour should be bestowed in recognition of his historic contribution to the movement for social change and out of respect for the sentiments of the Bahujan Samaj.
Citing the conferment of the Bharat Ratna upon Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, she noted that Kanshi Ram was also a key figure in the movement for social change and that his contributions deserved appropriate national recognition.
Mayawati asserted that the BSP must be strengthened to such an extent that issues concerning the self-respect and dignity of the Bahujan Samaj could no longer be ignored.
Mayawati stated that the entire nation cannot be made prosperous and happy merely by creating a "feel-good" atmosphere for a handful of people while serious issues like poverty, inflation, unemployment, illiteracy, and backwardness persist. She emphasised that governments must take concrete and sustainable measures to provide employment, empower the people, and strengthen the nation.
Describing education, healthcare, roads, and employment as fundamental areas of public interest and welfare, she asserted that governments should act based on their own responsibilities and capabilities rather than relying on the private sector in these matters.
According to her, public welfare should be prioritised in line with constitutional principles, rather than viewing every service solely through a commercial lens of profit and loss.
The BSP chief noted that the new generation, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha, is becoming vocal about issues such as education, employment, and better infrastructure. She urged governments to take concrete action on these matters instead of merely making claims.
She added that accountability to the public must be ensured regarding election promises, administrative mismanagement, and corruption.