LUCKNOW, March 15 -- Rival political parties in Uttar Pradesh are vying to claim the legacy of Kanshi Ram, founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party, as his birth anniversary on March 15 has triggered a wave of programmes, rallies and outreach efforts across the state - virtually opening doors across the political spectrum to his legacy and vision.

In a rare moment of political convergence, parties that once viewed Kanshi Ram and his politics with suspicion are now invoking his name and organising events in his memory, reflecting both the enduring influence of his ideas and the electoral significance of Dalit voters in Uttar Pradesh.

The developments appear driven by an unspoken but widely acknowledged reality: Kanshi Ram's legacy cannot be cl...