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New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has intensified the political row over the alleged “shuddhikaran” (purification) ritual performed after party president Mallikarjun Kharge’s visit to Haldwani, Uttarakhand. Gandhi demanded registration of an FIR under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against those involved in the incident.
Addressing a press conference in Delhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha said the alleged ritual was an insult to constitutional values and claimed that “purification” was another form of untouchability.
Rahul Gandhi alleged that Kharge, who has spent his life serving the country and the Constitution, faced discrimination after his speech at Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani.
He said the incident violated the principles of equality and demanded that both the central and Uttarakhand governments ensure justice for the Congress president.
Gandhi also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response and accused the BJP-RSS ideology of opposing the progress and dignity of Dalits.
The controversy began after Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a Congress rally at Haldwani’s Ramlila Maidan on August 8. The Congress alleged that a “shuddhikaran havan” was conducted at the venue two days later because Kharge belongs to the Dalit community.
Kharge later raised the matter in Rajya Sabha, questioning why a purification ceremony was required after his speech and asking how such actions aligned with constitutional values.
The BJP has rejected the allegations of political involvement, stating that the ritual was a customary religious practice and was not linked to Kharge’s visit.
Union Minister JP Nadda termed the incident unfortunate and said the BJP does not support such activities. He assured the Rajya Sabha that the allegations would be investigated.
During his remarks, Rahul Gandhi also highlighted broader concerns related to caste discrimination in India. He said that despite constitutional protections, social inequalities continue to exist in several parts of the country.
He argued that the fight for equality and dignity remains central to the political debate between different ideologies.
The Congress has continued demanding action in the Haldwani controversy, with party leaders seeking a fair investigation into the alleged incident.
