Digital News Guru Current Affairs Desk:
On January 26, 2026, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati used the occasion of India’s 77th Republic Day to renew a long-standing demand: that the nation’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, be conferred on Kanshi Ram, the founder of her party and one of the most influential leaders of Dalit and Bahujan politics in post-independence India. Her call sparked renewed debate over political recognition, social justice, and how India honours figures who shaped its democratic and social landscape.
In a message shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Mayawati extended her Republic Day greetings to all Indians, including those living abroad, and stressed the need for an “honest evaluation” of the country’s progress against the ideals of the Constitution. According to her, while Republic Day is a time to take pride in India’s constitutional values, its true significance lies in assessing whether political, social, and economic democratic goals have tangibly improved the lives of ordinary citizens.
Against this backdrop, she reiterated her demand that Kanshi Ram be awarded the Bharat Ratna without further delay. “Kanshi Ram, who dedicated his entire life to empowering crores of poor, exploited, and neglected people of the Bahujan Samaj and enabling them to live a life of self-respect and dignity, should be conferred the Bharat Ratna without further delay,” she wrote.
Who Was Kanshi Ram?
Kanshi Ram (1934–2006) was a towering figure in India’s social and political transformation, especially for Dalits, backward classes, and other marginalised communities. Born in a modest Dalit family in Uttar Pradesh, he rose to prominence as an organiser and leader committed to uplifting sections of society historically excluded from economic, political, and educational opportunities.
He founded the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in 1984 with the aim of uniting the “Bahujan Samaj” — literally “majority of the people” — composed of Dalits, backward castes, and minorities. Under his leadership and later that of Mayawati, the BSP grew into a significant national force, especially in Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state and a major political battleground.
Kanshi Ram’s philosophy was deeply rooted in social justice, dignity, and self-respect for the oppressed. His work transformed the political narrative in large parts of North India, making caste-based discrimination and empowerment central to mainstream electoral politics.
Despite his influence, Kanshi Ram has never been awarded the Bharat Ratna — a fact that Mayawati and BSP leaders have long pointed to as an omission that needs correction.
The Bharat Ratna: What It Symbolises
The Bharat Ratna is India’s highest civilian award, conferred for exceptional service in the arts, literature, science, and public services. It recognises individuals whose contributions have profoundly shaped the nation’s history or cultural legacy. Past recipients include leaders, scientists, artists, and reformers.
Awarding the Bharat Ratna to a historical figure is not merely ceremonial — it is a symbolic gesture that acknowledges national contribution and elevates public memory. For Mayawati, seeking this honour for Kanshi Ram highlights his role not just as a political leader but as a champion of social equality and transformation.
Mayawati’s Broader Message on Governance
While her demand for the Bharat Ratna took centre stage, Mayawati’s Republic Day message also contained critical reflections on governance and the implementation of constitutional ideals. She urged an “honest evaluation” of whether governments at the central and state levels have turned their promises into real progress, particularly in improving the living standards of the most vulnerable populations.
Her statement came alongside praise for citizens honoured with Padma awards and gallantry awards — the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri and others — noting their exemplary service. However, she underscored that celebrating constitutional pride must go hand in hand with ensuring that social, political, and economic rights translate into meaningful change for ordinary people.
Political Context and Reactions
Mayawati’s call for the Bharat Ratna for Kanshi Ram is part of a long-standing demand by the BSP that predates the 2026 Republic Day. The party has repeatedly sought recognition for its founder, arguing that his contributions to political empowerment and social justice merit the nation’s highest civilian honour.
Political analysts view the renewed demand within a broader electoral and socio-political context. With multiple state and national elections on the horizon, such appeals serve not only as calls for historical justice but also as mobilisation tools aimed at consolidating support among Dalit and Bahujan voters — a key voter base in several regions.
While there has been some support for recognising Kanshi Ram’s contributions from various quarters, formal decisions on Bharat Ratna awards rest with the government of India, which considers a range of recommendations and criteria before announcing recipients. A clear political consensus is typically required, especially for awards recognising figures with significant political legacies.
Cultural and Social Significance
Beyond politics, Mayawati’s statements echo a larger conversation about identity, representation, and historical recognition in India. Kanshi Ram is not just a political leader for many; he is a symbol of dignity and empowerment for communities that have historically faced discrimination and marginalisation.
Awarding him the Bharat Ratna, in this view, would not just be about honouring a leader but also about acknowledging the struggles and aspirations of millions of Indians who see their own journeys reflected in his life’s work.
Conclusion: A Renewed Call on Republic Day
On Republic Day 2026, Mayawati’s appeal to confer the Bharat Ratna on Kanshi Ram brought renewed attention to a long-standing demand rooted in questions of historical recognition and social justice. Her call reflects both a critique of current governance and an effort to ensure that the nation’s highest symbols of honour include figures from all sections of society.
As India commemorated the adoption of its Constitution — the bedrock of its democratic framework — the demand underscored the ongoing struggle to ensure that constitutional values of equality, dignity and opportunity are reflected not only in law but in national remembrance and recognition. Bottom of Form
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