Lucknow, March 13 (NationPress) Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, stated on Friday that had former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru been alive, Kanshi Ram, the leader of the Bahujan movement, would likely have served as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

These comments were made during the 'Samajik Parivartan Divas' (Social Change Day) event held at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan to commemorate Kanshi Ram's birth anniversary.

While speaking, Gandhi honored Kanshi Ram, emphasizing his lifelong commitment to fighting for equality and social justice for marginalized groups.

He also admitted that the Congress party had fallen short in fulfilling its obligations in the past, which led figures like Kanshi Ram to forge their own political journeys.

"If the Congress had been more effective back then, Kanshi Ram wouldn’t have had to pursue a separate struggle," he noted, asserting that Nehru would have ensured Kanshi Ram's elevation to the Chief Ministerial role.

Furthermore, during the event, a proposal was put forth advocating for the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, to be bestowed upon Kanshi Ram.

Rahul Gandhi also criticized the central government's concentration of power and resources, claiming they are held by a select few.

He urged attendees to scrutinize the demographics of the country's bureaucracy, corporate world, and top management positions, highlighting the minimal representation of Dalits, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Adivasis in these sectors.

"In contrast, the list of MGNREGA workers reveals a significant presence of these communities," he stated.

Gandhi further accused the current administration of systematically undermining opportunities for Dalits, Adivasis, and OBCs, especially in public sector jobs, through biased recruitment and interview practices.

He reiterated that the Congress party champions equal opportunities and fair representation for all societal segments.

Gandhi remarked that the Indian Constitution encapsulates an ideology shaped over millennia, drawing from the philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and Gautam Buddha.

"The Constitution does not align with the ideologies of Savarkar or Godse, and those who adhere to such beliefs fail to honor the Constitution's spirit," he claimed.

He expressed concern that Indian society is divided into two classes—a privileged 15% minority and an 85% majority—pointing out that resources and power are largely monopolized by the smaller group.

Gandhi affirmed that the Congress party will persist in its pursuit of social justice, equality, and increased involvement of marginalized communities in governance.

"We must engage in politics that catalyzes societal change, enabling the inclusion of the underprivileged, Dalits, backward classes, and tribal communities in the power structure of our nation," he urged the audience.

Earlier that day, Gandhi was welcomed at the Lucknow airport by state Congress leaders and party workers before heading to the event.