New Delhi, Sept 3
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday lamented at the government and claimed that the “purification” carried out at the site of his public meeting in UttArakhand’s Haldwani last month was an act of “untouchability” and it is not just about purification. He also said that his party will approach Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan over the issue.
Speaking with the media here, Kharge also questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on the issue and alleged “they remain silent when something bad happens” and urged people to stand with Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in his fight for the cause of Dalits, women and students.
Kharge, who is also the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha said, “I have written to Leader of House in the Rajya Sabha, J P Nadda and reminded him that even after 24 days there has been no action on the assurances given by the government in the Upper House. I mentioned the details of what transpired in the Rajya Sabha and I await his reply.”
Hailing the role of Rahul Gandhi, Kharge said that he has been raising the voice for Dalits, women and students.
The Congress leader also slammed the BJP for filing an FIR against him in Uttarakhand and said, “Rahul Gandhi has raised his voice and is raising questions about students, women inflation and is also raising questions for Dalits. The BJP has gotten an FIR lodged against a person who fights for Dalits, women and students.”
He alleged that they lodged an FIR against Rahul Gandhi to intimidate him and to demoralise him and stressed that the Congress will not be intimidated.
Kharge then said: “We will not allow BJP to target Rahul Gandhi who works for the welfare of Dalits. Is this the rule of law under the “double engine” BJP government that case is filed against the person who raises voice for the Dalits. I want to tell them (BJP), don’t do such things, don’t work for dividing the society.”
The Congress leader then slammed the BJP describing the incident of purification is an act of untouchability.
“This is an incident of untouchability, it is not just about purification. And this process was done by them to tell people that they are superior,” Kharge alleged.
The Congress chief’s remarks came after he wrote to Nadda over the “purification” that took place after his rally in Haldwani on August 10, asking him to direct Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to ensure that an FIR is filed against those involved in the incident.
Kharge reminded Nadda of his assurance when he had raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha that after an investigation, strict action will be taken against whoever is found guilty.
“You may recall that on August 13, 2026, in the Rajya Sabha, with great sadness and anguish, I raised the issue of purification related to untouchability after my public meeting in Haldwani on August 8, 2026,” Kharge said in his letter in Hindi.
In his letter the Congress leader said that in response to his intervention in the Upper House, he (Nadda) stood up in the House and said, ‘Sir, what Honourable Khargeji has said is truly a very sad subject. It is not only sad for the Congress Party, but it is sad for all of us. Whatever has happened will definitely be investigated. I want to say that the Bharatiya Janata Party never supports such an activity. I condemn it, and the National President will also look into it thoroughly. The hurt caused to your sentiments is a matter of regret for all of us.”
Kharge pointed out that Nadda had also stated that after the investigation, strict action will be taken against whoever is found guilty.
“The Honourable Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (C P Radhakrishnan) also expressed grief over this incident,” he said.
Earlier this week, the Congress had accused the BJP of perpetrating social injustice and protecting those who discriminate against Dalits after an FIR was filed in Uttarakhand against Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on the alleged purification of the Ramleela Maidan venue where Kharge addressed a rally.
A political row erupted after some individuals allegedly performed a ‘purification ritual’ at the Ramleela Ground in Haldwani on August 11, following a public meeting there by Kharge on August 8.
At a press conference in New Delhi on August 29, Rahul Gandhi had criticised the incident and demanded registration of an FIR under the SC/ST Act against those responsible for the “purification”.
The Congress leaders and workers in Uttarakhand had staged protest at multiple locations and also filed multiple police complaints across the state under the SC/ST Act against those involved in the alleged purification act.
Meanwhile, BJP workers also staged protests in Uttarakhand and burnt Rahul Gandhi’s effigies and had accused him of doing petty politics ahead of the assembly polls in the state.
