Addressing a press conference at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi, Gandhi displayed a video of Kharge’s speech on a projector and alleged that the stage at the Ramlila Maidan was subjected to a purification ritual after Kharge’s August 8 meeting. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take action against those responsible.
Gandhi described the incident as a serious issue of discrimination and untouchability. He said the Congress wanted an FIR and action against those involved, arguing that the matter should not be viewed merely as a political controversy.
According to the account presented by the Congress, Kharge had addressed a gathering at Haldwani’s Ramlila Maidan on August 8. Subsequently, some Hindu organisations reportedly conducted a yagna at the venue, describing it as a purification ritual. Organisers cited by the report said the action was related to their objection to the use of a religious venue for political statements and was not connected with Kharge’s caste.
The issue had also been raised by Kharge in Parliament during the Monsoon Session. Congress leaders have linked the controversy to Kharge’s Dalit identity and demanded action under provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
During Saturday’s interaction with reporters, Gandhi repeatedly referred to the alleged purification as a form of untouchability. He said the incident raised wider questions about discrimination against Dalits and claimed that caste-based discrimination continues in different parts of the country.
Gandhi also cited examples of alleged discrimination in schools, public places and social functions while arguing that the Haldwani incident should be seen in the broader context of caste-related inequality. He said the Congress would continue to seek action in the matter.
The Congress leader also criticised the BJP and RSS, alleging that the incident reflected their ideological position. He framed the issue as part of what he described as a broader contest between the Constitution and the ideology represented by the BJP and RSS.
The controversy has drawn responses from BJP leaders as well. BJP leader Smriti Irani had earlier challenged Gandhi to demonstrate his support for women’s reservation and other issues, while the BJP has rejected Congress allegations regarding the broader political narrative surrounding the controversy.
The Haldwani episode has therefore emerged as another point of political confrontation between the Congress and BJP, with the Congress focusing on alleged caste discrimination and demanding legal action. The matter is also being discussed in the context of Kharge’s earlier statements in Parliament and the political debate over caste and social equality.
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