Lucknow: The Congress Party commemorated the birth anniversary of the late Kanshi Ram, founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party and a champion of Dalits, the oppressed, and marginalized communities, as Social Transformation Day. A seminar was organized at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in the state capital, where Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, addressed the gathering as the chief guest. The session was chaired by Dr. Anil Jai Hind, Chairman of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) Backward Classes Department.
The event was hosted by Ajay Rai, President of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee, along with Dr. Anil Jai Hind and Dr. Rajendra Pal Gautam, Chairman of AICC Scheduled Caste Department. Progressive leaders, senior Congress officials, and former ministers also participated.
Speaking at the seminar, Rahul Gandhi paid tribute to Kanshi Ram’s struggle, vision, and contribution to Indian politics, emphasizing that social change requires action, not mere desire. “Rights are not given—they have to be fought for,” he said. Using the analogy of a pen and its cap, he illustrated India’s social inequities, stressing that while 15% of society enjoys benefits, the remaining 85% are often neglected.
Gandhi criticized the Narendra Modi government, asserting that compromises on energy security and trade agreements with the United States favor foreign interests over Indian farmers and citizens. He also highlighted controversies surrounding ministers linked to the Epstein case and alleged conflicts of interest with major corporations, warning that these compromises undermine India’s sovereignty and development.
He reiterated, “The Congress Party is committed to fighting for the 85% marginalized population. This is not merely an electoral struggle but a fight for systemic change. The fight for rights is a fight of ideas, and those who do not compromise on ideas—like Ambedkar, Gandhi, and Kanshi Ram—are the ones we honor.”
The seminar saw addresses from senior leaders, including Dr. B. P. Ashok (Retd. IPS), Virendra Singh Yadav (Retd. Judge), Rakesh Rathore (MP), former ministers, and other dignitaries, along with active participation from the AICC and UP Congress committees.
