New Delhi, March 14 (NationPress) A political debate ignited on Saturday following comments made by the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, about Kanshi Ram, known as the Bahujan Nayak. Leaders from the Samajwadi Party (SP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Congress engaged in a heated exchange of views.

During a program held in Lucknow to commemorate Kanshi Ram's birth anniversary, Gandhi remarked that if Jawaharlal Nehru were alive today, Kanshi Ram would have likely served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

In response to these comments, SP MP Virendra Singh emphasized that Kanshi Ram's contributions should be regarded without political bias. He stated, “Kanshi Ramji’s contributions should not be assessed through the lens of political parties. He empowered marginalized communities and motivated them to advocate for their constitutional rights. His legacy is significant and cannot be overlooked.”

SP spokesperson Ashutosh Verma added that regional parties such as the Bahujan Samaj Party and Samajwadi Party emerged due to the political environment during Congress's governance.

“Understanding the origins of BSP and SP under Congress would clarify many questions. The emergence of these parties is a direct result of Congress's flawed policies,” Verma explained.

He pointed out that while Congress overlooked backward classes, Dalits, and minorities, leaders like Kanshi Ram and Mulayam Singh Yadav arose to represent these communities.

Moreover, BJP leaders also condemned Gandhi’s statements. BJP MLA Raj Sinha commented that Rahul's remarks are not worth consideration, labeling them as nonsensical.

BJP MP Manan Kumar Mishra remarked that thoughtless statements lack significance.

In defense of Gandhi’s comments, Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput asserted that Gandhi recognized Kanshi Ram's importance. “Rahul Gandhi clearly indicated that had Kanshi Ram been present during Nehru's era, he would have held the position of Chief Minister in some state,” Rajput stated.

In response to BSP chief Mayawati's comments on social media, Rajput criticized her, claiming, “Mayawati is anxious because the Bahujan mission does not align with her interests. She, who has compromised the Bahujan mission, should refrain from advising Congress, especially with the knowledge she gains from 'WhatsApp University' while being with BJP.”

This exchange has escalated the political discussion surrounding Kanshi Ram’s legacy and the representation of marginalized communities across various political parties.