New Delhi, September 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Rajya Sabha Leader of the House and Union Minister J.P. Nadda, urging swift action over a “Shuddhikaran” (purification) ritual allegedly conducted at the Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani following a public meeting addressed by him.
In his letter, Kharge recalled an assurance given by Nadda and urged him to direct the Uttarakhand government to take action against the organisations and individuals allegedly involved in the incident.
Kharge expressed concern that no FIR had been registered even 24 days after the incident.
“I am astonished that even 24 days after the incident, not even an FIR has been registered against the organisations and individuals responsible for carrying out this despicable act in Haldwani,” Kharge said, describing the ritual as contrary to the spirit of the Constitution and human values.
The Congress chief reiterated the position expressed by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi that “Shuddhikaran” is associated with untouchability. Kharge cited the example of the Mahad Satyagraha, claiming that a purification ritual was conducted after Dr B.R. Ambedkar drank water from the Mahad tank.
Kharge said the Haldwani episode should not be viewed merely as a matter concerning him personally or his position as Congress president, but as an issue affecting people who continue to face caste-based discrimination.
He urged Nadda to ask Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to ensure registration of an FIR against those allegedly involved in the ritual.
The controversy dates back to August 8, when a group of people reportedly conducted the ritual at the Ramlila Ground following Kharge’s rally. Kharge later raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha during the Monsoon Session, alleging that the incident was linked to his identity as a Dalit leader.
The BJP has rejected the allegation, maintaining that there was “no caste angle” to the incident.
Meanwhile, an FIR was registered against Rahul Gandhi on August 30 over his remarks concerning the episode. The case followed a complaint by Amit Kumar, a member of the Valmiki community, who alleged that Gandhi’s remarks hurt the sentiments of the Scheduled Caste community.
Police invoked provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, including Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(u), along with Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
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