Lucknow— People from all over Uttar Pradesh gathered at Kanshi Ram Eco Garden in Lucknow to remember Kanshiram, fondly known as “Saheb” by his supporters, who stands above party lines post his death. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leads in keeping the legacy of Kanshiram alive, and its functionaries and office bearers paid tributes to the leader.

“Followers feel invigorated and motivated when they come here,” said Bhim Rao Ambedkar, Member Of Legislative Council (MLC) from the BSP, speaking to The Mooknayak. He added, “After the death of Babasaheb Dr. Ambedkar, his mission had almost come to an end. However, Saheb Kanshiram devoted his life to the movement and ensured that the movement is rejuvenated. Saheb Kanshiram engendered the passion for ruling the country amongst the most downtrodden people of the country. Accentuating on the importance of the day, he said that when the followers of Kanshiram come here, they are invigorated and feel motivated by the sacrifices of Manyawar Kanshiram, who cycled for 4,000 kilometers, ate stale food, and worked in the face of hunger and thirst.” On the occasion of Kanshiram's birthday on 15th March, every year his followers take a resolve to take his mission forward, for which Mayawati ji is struggling. Extolling the former Chief Minister, he said that Mayawati is fighting against the forces that want to destroy the constitution.

Vidya Gautam of the Akhil Bhartiya Ambedkar Mahasabha and an ardent supporter of BSP remembered Kanshiram by saying, “If someone roused the spirit of the Bahujans after Dr. Ambedkar, it is Manyawar Kanshiram who formed BAMCEF, DS4, and Bahujan Samaj party, which has been in power for four times. She says that she is undeterred by the challenges facing the party and is sure the party will sail out of the turbid waters.

New generation missionary singer couple Vishal Gazipuri and Sapna Gazipuri were present at the venue and spoke to The Mooknayak. Sapna Ghazipuri said, “Kanshiram believed in women empowerment and hence made Behenji as the Chief Minister, so we like Kanshiram and feel inspired by Behen Mayawati.” While her husband and singer Vishal Ghazipuri said, “KanshiRamji resigned from the government job after he read ‘Annihilation of Caste,' which was recommended to him by Dina Bhana. He told Dina Bhana that your struggle is not yours now, it is mine. He resolved to not have land or a bank balance in his name and will also remain unmarried.”

Following in the footsteps of their role model Kanshiram, the singer couple also used a pen to emphasize the message conveyed by Kanshiram.

Abhishek Gautam, a lawyer from Kanpur, said that it was Kanshiram who sat on a Dharna for 41 days to demand the implementation of the Mandal Commission.

Mohanlal, a farmer who came from Malihabad, said that 20-25 years ago, they were not allowed to sit on a cot, but now this is not the case, and it is because of Kanshiram Saheb.

Despite the BSP facing electoral challenges, the enduring loyalty of Kanshiram's followers is a source of encouragement, and his struggles will hopefully continue to inspire the party workers.