Lucknow:Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Thursday criticised the Congress-led central government for not conferring Bharat Ratna, Indias highest civilian award, on Kanshi Ram, founder leader of her Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

At a function here on Thursday to mark the second death anniversary of her mentor Kanshi Ram, Mayawati said: "The Congress has overlooked his achievements and contributions to strengthen the weak and downtrodden.

"It is highly unfortunate that Kanshi Ram, who devoted his life to raise the status of Dalits and other marginalised sections, has been completely ignored by the central government," she added.

The Bharat Ratna is given for exceptional services in the fields of art, literature and science and in recognition of public service of the highest order.

Mayawati said: "Not a single political outfit, other than the BSP, has ever bothered to mourn the death of Kanshi Ram."

The chief minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of as many as 158 development projects worth Rs.30 billion to mark the anniversary, officials said. The projects include bridges, roads and houses.