Founder of Bahujan Samaj Party, Kanshi Ram, died in New Delhi early on Monday due to complications arising out of multiple ailments he had been suffering for quite some time.

Ram, 72, died at 12.30 am at his official residence, party sources said.

Ram, who had been suffering from mulitple ailments like stroke, diabetes and hypertension, was virtually bed-ridden for more than two years.

The last rites of the BSP founder will be held at 4 pm at Nigambodh Ghat in Delhi, party chief Mayawati said.

His body will be kept at the BSP headquarters at 12, Gurudwara Rakabganj Road from 12 noon to 2 pm for the public to pay their homage, she said.

"According to Kanshi Ramji's wishes, his mortal remains will not be immersed in any river but will be kept at the party offices in Lucknow and Delhi," Mayawati said.

Remembering Ram as a "crusader for the cause of Dalit rights," Mayawati said he "exhorted Dalits to lead a life of self-respect and honour and fought against Manuwadi forces."

"He left his government job and remanied a bachelor to actively fight for Dalit rights," she said.

Meanwhile, hundreds of BSP workers thronged Mayawati's Humayun Road residence, where Ram's body has been kept, to pay their last respects to the deceased leader.

Photograph: File picture