New Delhi: The political row over an alleged “purification” ritual at the venue of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s rally in Haldwani has intensified, with Uttarakhand Congress in-charge Kumari Selja questioning the action taken against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.Selja alleged that no action had been taken against those who conducted the ritual at Ramlila Maidan, where Kharge addressed a Congress rally on August 8, while an FIR was registered against Gandhi after he criticised the incident.In a post on X, Selja framed the issue as one concerning Dalit dignity and constitutional values. She alleged that the incident reflected what she called an “anti-Dalit and anti-Constitution” mindset and questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi had remained silent on the controversy.

What happened at Haldwani's Ramlila Maidan?

Kharge addressed a Congress public meeting at Haldwani's Ramlila Maidan on August 8. Two days later, members associated with the Shri Ram Sena Dharmarth Seva Nyas conducted a havan and described it as a “shuddhikaran” or purification ceremony at the venue.Congress leaders have alleged that the ritual had caste-related implications because Kharge is a Dalit leader. The organisers, however, have rejected that interpretation, saying the ceremony was conducted because of what they described as objectionable slogans and concerns about the sanctity and use of the Ramlila ground.The organisers have also denied that the ceremony was aimed at Kharge because of his caste and said members of different communities, including Dalits, participated in the ritual.

FIR against Rahul Gandhi adds new political dimension

The controversy escalated after Rahul Gandhi demanded legal action against those responsible for the alleged purification ritual and described it as a manifestation of untouchability.An FIR was subsequently registered against Gandhi following a complaint by a member of the Valmiki community. Police said provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita were invoked.Selja questioned the government's handling of the two complaints and argued that Congress leaders were being targeted for raising the issue.Uttarakhand Congress president Ganesh Godiyal also criticised the FIR, alleging that a complaint seeking action over the alleged caste implications of the purification ceremony had not received similar treatment.

BJP and organisers reject Congress' allegations

The BJP has distanced itself from the ritual and denied involvement in the ceremony. Union Minister and BJP president JP Nadda has condemned the act and said the party had no association with those who organised it, according to reports.The organisers have maintained that the havan was not connected to Kharge's caste and was intended to restore what they considered the religious and cultural sanctity of the venue.The dispute has now moved beyond the original ceremony, with the Congress demanding action against those involved and questioning the FIR against Gandhi. The matter has also become part of the wider political contest in Uttarakhand ahead of the 2027 Assembly election.For now, the central dispute remains over the intent behind the ritual and whether it had caste-related implications. The Congress and BJP-linked voices involved in the controversy have offered sharply different accounts.