A committed Ambedkarite, due to Kanshiram, Phule, Shahuji Maharaj, Narayana Guru became household names in UP

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat 

Kanshiram, whose 89th birth anniversary fell on March 15, was indeed one of the greatest political leaders of our time. Whatever he did was for the greater good of the Bahujan Samaj. In modern times, I can say with complete honesty that he was the person who popularized the term Bahujan among the Indian masses. Though the word originated during the time of Buddha and was later used by the revolutionary Jyotirao Phule, it was Kanshiram, in the pure political sense, who brought it into the lives of millions demanding their rights with dignity.

Kanshiram was deeply dedicated to Ambedkarite thought. Yet, it is also true that Phule, Shahuji Maharaj, and Narayana Guru became household names, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, after the rise of the BSP. However, BSP gradually removed EVR Periyar from its posters and banners due to various political considerations. 

Still, it is worth remembering that Periyar visited Uttar Pradesh and interacted with people at the invitation of organizations like the Arjak Sangh, led by Lalai Singh Yadav, and the All India Backward Classes Front, led by Shyam Sundar of Hyderabad, in the 1960s.

One thing I greatly admired about Kanshiram was his brutal honesty and authenticity. I have seen many politicians change their language and style once they come to power. Kanshiram was different. He remained the same with his cadres, remembering their names and staying connected with them. His attire resonated with the common person, and he was ready to go to any length to serve the interests of the Bahujan Samaj.

Today, many Ambedkarite activists deeply miss him. The continuous decline of the BSP as a political force has hurt a large number of Kanshiram's dedicated cadres, who were once ready to sacrifice their lives for the party’s cause. Kanshiram  was a pragmatist, yet he never compromised on the interests of his community. Though BSP, as a political party, might be struggling, for thousands of his missionary supporters, it remains an emotion even today. That emotion must be respected by the party leadership if it wishes to remain politically relevant in the future.

Kanshiram always remained grounded and stood with the workers of the party. No party can succeed if it ignores its honest and dedicated cadres. BSP was once a different party, where loyalty to the leadership was beyond question.

The politics of Kanshiram was not about abusing 'others', but about educating his own cadres. BSP never supported abusive politics, even as it distanced itself from brahmanical rituals and events. In recent times, the party has focused more on managing different groups, with its leader, Ms. Mayawati, being extremely careful in her public statements. Unlike many leaders, Ms. Mayawati is often seen as reasonable and responsible, speaking with great caution and full accountability. She stands as a testament to how a responsible leader was nurtured by Kanshiram.

Today's youth, who claim to follow Ambedkarism while using unnecessary, violent, and abusive language against others, may find satisfaction in their isolated worlds, but this approach won't help them in the larger struggle. Kanshiram respected grounded individuals—especially those who came to him not with complaints, but with ideas and a sense of pride in their work. This is why, at one point, many bureaucrats looking for greener pastures during BSP rule were carefully avoided.

Today, BSP needs to follow Kanshiram's mission. This will only be possible if the party nurtures young people and gives them opportunities, just as Kanshiram did while building the party. The leadership must listen, guide, and stay active on the ground, working quietly and consistently.

The best tribute to Kanshiram would be to ensure that BSP remains a missionary party. Remember this: BSP might have faltered in recent years, but it can rise again. It is not finished. A mission never ends. The rise of BSP forced brahmanical parties to respect Dr. Ambedkar and the Dalit struggle for dignity. That remains BSP’s and Kanshiram's greatest achievement. Many Dalits who have gained positions in other parties owe it to the rise of an autonomous Ambedkarite party like the BSP.

In a democracy, all political parties have the right to formulate their strategies and action plans. Despite its failures in recent years, I still hope that BSP will remain active in the greater interest of Bahujan Samaj.