New Delhi : BSP chief Mayawati on Saturday criticised the Congress for what she called its sudden admiration for late Dalit icon Kanshi Ram, questioning the party’s credibility on Dalit issues. Speaking ahead of the Uttar Pradesh elections, she highlighted Congress’ past record, noting that during its many years in power at the Centre, it did not accord due respect to Kanshi Ram or Dalit leader B.R. Ambedkar, nor did it confer Ambedkar with the Bharat Ratna.
Her remarks came a day after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that had Jawaharlal Nehru been alive, Kanshi Ram would have been made Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
Mayawati pointed out that neither the Congress government at the Centre nor the SP government in UP declared national or state mourning on Kanshi Ram’s passing. She accused other parties and organisations of exploiting Kanshi Ram’s legacy to weaken the BSP.
“His followers and supporters must remain vigilant against these tactics,” she warned, reiterating the BSP’s commitment to Dalit empowerment and unity.
