Demand for Bharat Ratna Intensifies Ahead of Bhola Paswan Shastri’s Birth Anniversary

As the birth anniversary of Bhola Paswan Shastri approaches, the Bihar Pradesh Congress Scheduled Caste division has escalated its request for the Bharat Ratna award. In a statement, state president Ravindran Kumar Paswan emphasized Shastri’s landmark achievement as Bihar’s first Dalit chief minister and his lasting influence on Dalit politics across India.

The party contends that Shastri’s contributions to social empowerment have been inadequately recognized by successive administrations. The demand includes not only the Bharat Ratna but also the installation of a public monument at a key Patna intersection and the construction of a museum to document his life, struggles, and philosophies.

The SC wing has scheduled a large‑scale event on September 21 at its state office, projecting attendance of over 5,000 delegates from across Bihar. Rajendra Pal Gautam, the national head of the All India Congress Committee’s SC department, will serve as the chief guest. Congress workers, sympathizers, and Shastri’s followers are encouraged to participate, reinforcing the relevance of his legacy in today’s fight for social justice.