Rahul Gandhi: Kanshi Ram Would Have Been UP CM if Nehru Were Alive
Rahul Gandhi says Kanshi Ram would have been UP CM if Nehru were alive; stresses social justice and inclusion.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Friday stated that if former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru were alive today, Bahujan leader Kanshi Ram would have become the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. The remarks were made during a ‘Samajik Parivartan Divas’ (Social Change Day) programme organized at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan on Kanshi Ram’s birth anniversary.
Paying tribute to Kanshi Ram, Gandhi said the Bahujan leader devoted his life to fighting for equality and social justice for marginalized communities. He acknowledged that the Congress party had failed to fully uphold its responsibilities in the past, which compelled leaders like Kanshi Ram to pursue a separate political path. “If the Congress had functioned effectively at that time, Kanshi Ram would not have needed to wage a separate struggle,” he added.
During the programme, a proposal was also passed recommending that Kanshi Ram be awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor. Gandhi used the occasion to critique the concentration of power and resources in the country, highlighting the underrepresentation of Dalits, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Adivasis in the bureaucracy, corporate sector, and top management of major companies. “In contrast, if you look at the list of MGNREGA workers, you will find these very communities in overwhelming numbers,” he said.
Also Read: CDS Reveals Why Nehru Pushed for Panchsheel Pact with China
The Congress leader further alleged that opportunities for these marginalized groups are being curtailed under the current government, particularly in public sector employment. He emphasized that the party remains committed to providing equal opportunities and fair representation for all sections of society, asserting that the Constitution embodies an ideology shaped by Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and Gautam Buddha. Gandhi contrasted this with the ideologies of Savarkar and Godse, stating that those who follow them do not truly respect the spirit of the Constitution.
Gandhi also criticized social and economic inequalities, describing Indian society as divided between a 15 per cent privileged minority and an 85 per cent majority, with most power and resources concentrated among the smaller section. He reaffirmed Congress’ commitment to social justice, equality, and greater participation of marginalized communities in governance. “We need to engage in politics that brings change to society. Engage in such politics that enable the inclusion of Hindustan's poor, Dalits, backward classes, and tribals in the country's power sector,” he told the gathering.
Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi was received at Lucknow airport by state Congress leaders and party workers before proceeding to the event.
Also Read: UP CM Hosts Nobel Laureate Novoselov to Discuss Rare-Earth Magnet Facility and Advanced Research
