Rahul Gandhi Seeks Bharat Ratna for Kanshi Ram, BJP Asks Why Congress Didn’t Honour Him Earlier

     Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding that Kanshi Ram, the founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), be awarded the country’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna.

In his letter, Rahul Gandhi reportedly said that Kanshi Ram played a major role in empowering marginalized communities and shaping a new political movement in India. He urged the government to recognise Kanshi Ram’s contribution to social justice and political representation.

The demand, however, has triggered a political debate. Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have questioned the timing of the Congress leader’s demand. BJP leaders said that the Indian National Congress was in power at the Centre for several years but never awarded Bharat Ratna to Kanshi Ram during its tenure.

According to BJP leaders, the Congress should explain why it did not take this step earlier if it truly believed Kanshi Ram deserved the honour. Some BJP leaders have described the demand as politically motivated ahead of upcoming elections.

The issue has now sparked fresh political reactions, with leaders from different parties weighing in on the demand. Kanshi Ram remains an influential figure in Indian politics, particularly among Dalit communities, and any discussion around honouring him often draws strong political responses.