New Delhi, August 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday condemned the reported ‘shuddhikaran havan’ conducted at Haldwani’s Ramlila Maidan following his public meeting, alleging that the incident reflected caste-based discrimination and an attempt to divide Hindu society.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Kharge, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, questioned the need for a purification ritual at a venue used for public meetings by political parties.
“We have been saying all along that there is no space for Dalits in this country. People are being divided in the name of religion. What was the need for a havan there?” Kharge said.
He alleged that the incident was against the spirit of Hinduism and represented an attempt to create conflict between communities and castes.
The controversy followed a reported purification ceremony at the venue after Kharge addressed a public meeting there.
Uttarakhand Congress chief Ganesh Godiyal alleged that the Shri Ram Sena, which organised the ritual, was linked to the BJP. He claimed the ceremony was conducted because Kharge belongs to the Dalit community and accused the BJP of encouraging caste-based divisions.
Godiyal also questioned the role of the Nainital Senior Superintendent of Police and asked why action had not been taken against those who organised the ceremony. He described the incident as a serious issue of social discrimination and a “crime against humanity”.
The BJP has rejected the allegations and denied any association with the group that organised the ritual, accusing the Congress of attempting to politically target the party.
BJP state spokesperson and Cabinet Minister Khajan Das claimed that slogans raised during Kharge’s rally had hurt the sentiments of members of the Sanatan community. He said the Ramlila Ground had religious significance and alleged that slogans associated with another religion had been raised at the venue.
Das also rejected the Congress’ claim that the purification ritual was connected to Kharge’s caste. He accused the Congress of disrespecting prominent Dalit leaders, including Sitaram Kesri, Babu Jagjivan Ram and Dr B.R. Ambedkar.
The competing claims have triggered a political controversy in Uttarakhand, with both parties accusing each other of attempting to exploit religious and caste sensitivities for political gain.
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