LUCKNOW, March 14 -- With the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections gradually coming into focus, the political battle to claim the legacy of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) founder Kanshi Ram has intensified, highlighting a wider contest among parties to consolidate Dalit voters in the state.

The issue came to the fore on Saturday after BSP chief Mayawati launched a scathing attack on the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP), accusing them of attempting to appropriate Kanshi Ram's legacy for electoral gains ahead of his 92nd birth anniversary on Sunday.

In a strongly worded statement issued from the party's state headquarters, Mayawati said parties that had historically ignored the struggles and contributions of Bahujan icons were now invoki...