Mayawati, chief of the Bahujan Samaj Party, paid tribute on Saturday to social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule on his 200th birth anniversary, describing him as a pioneer of social transformation and a champion of education-driven empowerment for marginalized communities and women. In a post on X, she referred to Phule—who was born into a backward section of the Bahujan community—as the “grandfather of social change,” and offered her heartfelt respects on behalf of herself and her party.

She also highlighted the contributions of Savitribai Phule, noting that both she and Jyotiba Phule are remembered as trailblazers in advancing women’s empowerment through education, with their legacy firmly recorded in history. Emphasizing Phule’s belief in education as the foundation of social progress, Mayawati said his ideas later inspired B. R. Ambedkar to prioritize education as a key tool for empowerment.

She further stated that Phule’s efforts in the mid-19th century sparked widespread social awakening, particularly across Maharashtra, and laid the groundwork for movements focused on Dalit upliftment and women’s liberation. Recalling her tenure as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Mayawati said her government undertook several initiatives in Phule’s honor, including renaming Amroha district as Jyotiba Phule Nagar, and alleged that the Samajwadi Party later reversed the name change due to political and caste-based motives.

She also mentioned other districts created or renamed during BSP rule—such as Kanshiram Nagar, Ramabai Nagar, Bhimnagar, Prabuddha Nagar, and Panchsheel Nagar—claiming that while the SP government retained these districts, it altered their names. The Prime Minister and President Droupadi Murmu paid floral tributes to Phule at Prerna Sthal in Parliament. Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, born on April 11, 1827, in Satara, Maharashtra, is widely known for his lifelong efforts to challenge the caste system, promote women’s education, and uplift oppressed communities.