India, March 16 -- Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday demanded that Bahujan Samaj Party founder Kanshi Ram be awarded the Bharat Ratna, describing him as a leader who played a crucial role in mobilising and politically awakening backward and marginalised communities.

Speaking to the media during a visit to Mumbai on Kanshi Ram's birth anniversary, Yadav said the BSP founder had dedicated his life to the ideals of social justice and had followed the path shown by Dr BR Ambedkar.

"We remember Kanshi Ram for the role he played in awakening people, particularly those from backward classes. He walked on the path shown by Babasaheb Ambedkar and spent his life working for the empowerment of the oppressed. We have worked with him an...