Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure the immediate registration of an FIR under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act over an alleged “purification” ritual held at a rally venue in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a gathering there.
Kharge had spoken at a Congress rally at Ramlila Maidan on August 8. Two days later, members of the Shri Ram Sena reportedly conducted a “shuddhikaran” havan at the same venue. The Congress has alleged that the ritual was aimed at Kharge because he is a Dalit.
Gandhi calls ritual a crime under SC/ST Act
Speaking at Indira Bhawan in Delhi, Rahul Gandhi said the alleged act amounted to a violation of the SC/ST Act and called for immediate police action.
“This act violates the the SC/ST Act. Performing a 'purification' ritual is a crime. Yet, no action has been taken. Therefore, we demand that an FIR be registered immediately against those who carried out this purification ritual in Uttarakhand,” Gandhi said.
He also questioned the response of the BJP leadership to the incident.
“The Prime Minister claims to belong to every caste and to be the Prime Minister of all of India. Yet, the chief of his party states that the purification was justified,” Gandhi said.
“We want the Prime Minister to immediately order the registration of an FIR against these individuals under the SC/ST Act. It is the duty of both the State Government and the Central Government to ensure that Kharge ji receives justice in Uttarakhand,” he added.
BJP denies link to Kharge’s visit
The controversy began after the reported “shuddhikaran” ceremony at Ramlila Maidan. Congress leaders described it as caste discrimination and alleged that Kharge was targeted because of his Dalit identity.
The BJP has denied any involvement in the ritual. It said the ceremony was a customary religious practice and was not connected to Kharge’s visit.
Kharge raises issue in Rajya Sabha
Kharge also raised the matter in the Rajya Sabha, questioning why a purification ceremony was required after his speech.
Union minister JP Nadda termed the incident unfortunate, said the BJP did not support such an act and assured the House that the matter would be investigated.
The Congress has continued to seek action. On August 24, a party delegation met Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (retd), seeking a fair probe and alleging that no concrete action had followed Nadda’s assurance.