Date:11/10/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/10/11/stories/2006101104271001.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

On Kanshi Ram

In Kanshi Ram's demise, the Bahujan Samaj Party and the bahujans have lost their tallest leader after B.R. Ambedkar. It is now left to his heir Mayawati to lead the party he built from scratch into a strong political force in Uttar Pradesh. It is perhaps one of the strongest contenders for power in the State today.

Though Kanshi Ram's political career was not without its share of controversies and ideological contradictions at times, the fact that he was able to leave behind a strong party catering to Dalits' aspirations is truly remarkable.

Shahabuddin Nadeem,
Bangalore