Kharge Angry With Congress Leaders? INC President Expresses Disappointment Over Silence During Purification Row

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed disappointment at the CWC meeting, saying party leaders should have openly supported him after the Haldwani purification row following his public meeting.

Post Published By: Ayushi Bisht

Updated : 20 August 2026, 10:52 AM IST

INC President Expresses Disappointment Over Silence During Purification Row (Img: X)

New Delhi: Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed his disappointment during the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, claiming that several party leaders did not publicly support him over the recent “purification” controversy.

According to media reports, Kharge told CWC members that he expected leaders to stand with him openly on the issue but felt let down by their silence.

Controversy Over Haldwani Purification Ritual

The issue relates to a reported purification ritual conducted in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani after Kharge addressed a public gathering at Ramlila Maidan on August 8.

Kharge had criticised the incident, questioning the practice and targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the controversy. He argued that such actions were against the principles of equality and social harmony.

Matter Raised in Rajya Sabha

Kharge had also raised the issue during the final day of the Parliament Monsoon Session on August 13. While speaking in the Rajya Sabha, he said his Haldwani visit was not a political programme and that he had only highlighted public issues during his address.

BJP Distances Itself From Incident

The BJP distanced itself from the controversy and said it does not support such actions. Union Minister and BJP national president JP Nadda said the matter would be investigated, while stating that allegations should not be used to sensationalise the issue.

Nadda also said that if anyone was responsible for the incident, appropriate action should be taken.

Opposition Leaders Extend Support

The controversy has also drawn reactions from opposition leaders. BSP chief Mayawati condemned the incident and called for action against those involved. She described the matter as concerning and unacceptable, while demanding that the issue be properly investigated.