New Delhi: A political firestorm has erupted following reports that a local right-wing group performed a shuddhikaran ("purification") ritual at Haldwani’s Ramlila Ground, two days after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a rally there.
Kharge, who serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, voiced his outrage both to reporters and on the floor of Parliament during the final day of the Monsoon Session. He accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of promoting untouchability and dividing society along caste lines.
"I addressed a public meeting at the Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani... I did not mention any caste or religion; I only spoke about the problems of the people," Kharge said in the Rajya Sabha. "After my speech, BJP people performed a havan there and carried out the purification of that stage. Is this the way democracy works? How are you protecting the Constitution?"
Kharge added that despite spending decades in public life, he was still subjected to acts rooted in caste-based discrimination.
Uttarakhand Congress President Ganesh Godiyal directly linked the group responsible, the Shri Ram Sena, to the BJP, claiming the act was targeted at Kharge because he is a Dalit.
Responding to the allegations in Parliament, Leader of the House and BJP President J.P. Nadda condemned the act but firmly rejected any party involvement.
"What Kharge ji said is really sad — not just for the Congress party, but for all of us," Nadda said. "BJP does not subscribe to such activities. Never. But we will investigate this... It is a matter of great regret for all of us that your sentiments were hurt."
The controversy stems from Kharge’s Vijay Shankhnaad rally on August 8. On August 10, members of the Shri Ram Sena held a havan at the site, triggering widespread condemnation from opposition leaders.
(Inputs from IANS)