Kanshi Ram formed the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in 1984. Its electoral emblem is an elephant. It aspires to represent the Bahujan Samaj, which comprises oppressed classes and minorities. It propagates the BR Ambedkar's beliefs and teachings and takes inspiration from them. The BSP speaks out against the 'Manuwadi' social structure, which is practiced by higher-caste Hindus, particularly Brahmins, and the top crust of society. Its headquarter is in Uttar Pradesh, with a significant presence in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, and Punjab. Mayawati succeeded Kanshi Ram and got elected as Uttar Pradesh's chief minister and formed a cabinet.