Rahul Gandhi Urges PM Modi to Confer Bharat Ratna on Kanshi Ram Posthumously

New Delhi, March 2026 : Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting that Bahujan leader Kanshi Ram be awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously in recognition of his contributions to Indian politics and social justice.

In his letter sent on Sunday, Gandhi said the appeal was made on the occasion of Kanshi Ram’s birth anniversary, a time when many across the country reflect on the legacy of the prominent social reformer and political leader. He noted that Kanshi Ram’s work played a crucial role in shaping modern Indian politics by mobilising historically marginalised communities and encouraging them to participate actively in the democratic process.

“I hope this letter finds you well. As we commemorate the birth anniversary of Kanshi Ram ji today and reflect on his legacy and contributions, I write with a request that he be awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously,” Gandhi said in the letter.

Kanshi Ram, the founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), is widely recognised for his efforts to organise and politically empower Dalits and other marginalised sections of society. Through grassroots movements and political mobilisation, he sought to bring the concerns of Bahujan communities into the mainstream political discourse.

In his letter, Gandhi emphasised that Kanshi Ram had transformed the nature of Indian politics by raising political awareness among the poor and underrepresented communities. He wrote that Kanshi Ram consistently reminded people that their vote, voice, and representation were essential to building a fair and inclusive democracy.

According to Gandhi, Kanshi Ram’s efforts inspired many individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to enter public life and see politics as a means of achieving equality and justice. His work, Gandhi noted, helped reshape the political landscape by making democratic institutions more representative of India’s diverse social groups.

The Congress leader also highlighted the constitutional ideals that Kanshi Ram championed throughout his life. Referring to the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution, Gandhi said Kanshi Ram dedicated his life to ensuring that the promises of equality, dignity, and participation became meaningful realities for those at the lowest rungs of society.

“Our Constitution promises equality, dignity and participation for every Indian. Kanshi Ram ji devoted his life to making these promises meaningful for those at the very bottom of society,” Gandhi wrote, adding that such efforts strengthened the foundations of Indian democracy.

Gandhi also pointed out that the demand to confer the Bharat Ratna on Kanshi Ram has been raised repeatedly over the years by various sections of society. He said Dalit intellectuals, social activists and political leaders have consistently called for the recognition, describing the demand as longstanding and deeply felt.

The issue has gained renewed attention as the Congress party intensifies its political outreach in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. On March 13, a programme titled ‘Samajik Parivartan Divas’ was organised at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow to mark Kanshi Ram’s birth anniversary.

The event, attended by Rahul Gandhi, saw participants pass a resolution urging the government to honour Kanshi Ram with the Bharat Ratna. Gandhi referred to the programme in his letter, noting that leaders and attendees strongly reiterated the demand during the gathering.

However, the proposal has also drawn criticism from Mayawati, the chief of the Bahujan Samaj Party, who questioned the Congress party’s historical record in recognising Dalit icons, including B. R. Ambedkar.

Despite the political debate surrounding the demand, Gandhi said awarding the Bharat Ratna to Kanshi Ram would acknowledge his immense contribution to the nation and honour the aspirations of millions who regard him as a symbol of empowerment and hope.

“Conferring the Bharat Ratna on him posthumously would recognise his immense contribution to our nation and honour the aspirations of millions who continue to view him as a symbol of empowerment,” Gandhi wrote, expressing hope that the government would give serious consideration to the proposal.