New Delhi, August 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Saturday demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi direct authorities to register an FIR against those allegedly involved in the “shuddhikaran”, or purification, of the Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a public meeting there.
Gandhi described the incident as part of a wider ideological conflict between the Constitution and the ideology of the RSS-BJP. He demanded action under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, saying Kharge should receive justice.
Addressing a press conference, Gandhi alleged that attacks on Dalits become more pronounced when they achieve success. He cited instances involving Rajasthan Congress Legislature Party leader Tikaram Julie, former Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and Kharge.
“The word ‘Shuddhikaran (purification)’ is just another word for untouchability,” Gandhi said, alleging that such acts were carried out by BJP-RSS members and constituted an offence under the Constitution.
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Gandhi said Kharge addressed a rally at the Haldwani Ramlila Maidan on August 8 and alleged that BJP-RSS members carried out purification rituals at the venue on August 10. He further claimed that the Uttarakhand BJP chief had described the action as the “right thing to do”.
The Congress leader said nearly 20 days had passed without action despite his claim that the alleged act attracted provisions of the SC/ST Act.
“Our demand is that an FIR be filed against those who carried out purification in Uttarakhand,” Gandhi said, questioning the contrast between Prime Minister Modi’s assertion that he belongs to every caste and the Uttarakhand BJP chief’s reported endorsement of the incident.
Gandhi said the issue extended beyond Kharge and concerned Dalits across India. He warned that if such an incident could allegedly take place against a national political leader openly, the situation faced by Dalit children and others could be even more serious.
“This isn’t just an issue for Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, but it concerns every Dalit in India,” he said.
Gandhi said the Congress would continue pursuing action against those allegedly responsible, asserting that the party would not allow the accused to escape accountability even if the BJP failed to act.
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