CHANDIGARH : In a historic move, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha unanimously passed a resolution calling for the posthumous conferment of the Bharat Ratna for Babu Kanshi Ram Ji. The resolution, moved by Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, was passed with full support across all parties, signaling a strong push to honor the late social reformer and political leader for his lifelong work in promoting social and economic equality.
Babu Kanshi Ram Ji: Champion of Social Justice
Harpal Singh Cheema highlighted Babu Kanshi Ram Ji’s immense contributions, stating, “Babu Kanshi Ram Ji carried forward Babasaheb Ambedkar Ji’s ideology and took the message of socio-economic equality to every household. He sacrificed his career as a gazetted officer to empower youth from poor and middle-class backgrounds.”
Cheema added that Babu Kanshi Ram Ji’s integrity was unmatched. “He lived and died without any property, land, or bank accounts registered in his name. His life was dedicated entirely to the upliftment of marginalized communities,” he said.
Political Journey and Legacy
Born on 15 March 1934 in Khawaspura, Ropar, Babu Kanshi Ram Ji graduated from Government College, Ropar, and later served as a Member of Parliament for Etawah, Uttar Pradesh in 1991, and Hoshiarpur, Punjab in 1996. He also served in the Rajya Sabha, contributing significantly to the political empowerment of backward and minority communities.
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Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema emphasized the continued efforts to preserve his legacy: “We have allocated a ₹2 crore grant for the reconstruction and upgrading of a local school in his native village, which will be renamed in his honor. Plans are also underway to construct a modern library and auditorium to educate future generations about his contributions.”
AAP’s Continued Push for Bharat Ratna for Babu Kanshi Ram Ji
Cheema recalled that AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal had formally demanded the Bharat Ratna for Babu Kanshi Ram Ji as early as 2016, yet successive Union Governments failed to act. “Despite widespread support from the Bahujan Samaj Party and Kanshi Ram Ji’s followers, suitable memorials and recognition were delayed. Today, Punjab is taking a decisive step to ensure his legacy is honored,” he said.
The Finance Minister concluded by appealing to the House to support the resolution unanimously and forward it to the Central Government, urging that Babu Kanshi Ram Ji receive the Bharat Ratna in recognition of his lifetime of service and dedication to social justice.