Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram)

The Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) (ASP-KR) is an Indian political party founded by Chandra Shekhar Aazad in March 2020. It is an offshoot of the Bhim Army, a Dalit rights organization also founded by Aazad. The party is named in part as a tribute to Kanshi Ram, the founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), acknowledging his influence on Dalit politics in India.

The ASP-KR aims to represent and fight for the rights of marginalized communities, particularly Dalits, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and religious minorities. Its core ideology revolves around social justice, equality, and empowerment of these historically disadvantaged groups. The party criticizes mainstream political parties for allegedly failing to adequately address the issues faced by these communities and seeks to offer an alternative political platform.

Key issues advocated by the Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) include affirmative action, land rights for Dalits, improved access to education and healthcare, and an end to caste-based discrimination and violence. The party also addresses concerns related to social and economic inequality, unemployment, and the protection of constitutional rights.

While a relatively new party, the Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) has contested elections in several states in India, including Uttar Pradesh, with a focus on constituencies with significant Dalit and OBC populations. The party has sought to build a grassroots organizational structure and mobilize support through public rallies, demonstrations, and social media campaigns. Its impact on the Indian political landscape is still evolving.