New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has written to BJP president and Union minister JP Nadda, seeking his intervention to ensure registration of an FIR in connection with the alleged “purification” ritual carried out at Haldwani’s Ramlila Maidan after a public meeting addressed by him.

In his letter, Kharge raised concern over the delay in filing an FIR and urged Nadda to ensure that action is taken against those responsible. He said that legal action was necessary in the matter.

The controversy relates to an alleged ritual performed at the Haldwani venue after Kharge’s rally. Congress leaders have alleged that the act amounted to caste discrimination, while BJP leaders have rejected the allegations and said the party had no role in any such activity.

Kharge had earlier raised the issue in Parliament, alleging that a “purification” ceremony was conducted after his programme at the Ramlila Maidan. He questioned whether such an act was compatible with constitutional values and demanded action against those involved.

Responding to the allegations, JP Nadda had said that the BJP did not support such actions and assured that the matter would be investigated. He also objected to linking the alleged incident with the entire party.

The issue has since become a political flashpoint between the Congress and BJP. Congress leaders have continued to demand an FIR and action under relevant laws, while BJP leaders have accused the opposition of giving a political colour to the matter.

The immediate issue now is whether authorities register an FIR and what action follows after the allegations and counter-allegations from both side.