Kharge calls the ritual discriminatory and questions its place in a democracy, while Nadda says BJP members were not involved and promises an inquiry
A political showdown erupted in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday over a ‘shuddhikaran’ (purification) ceremony held at Haldwani’s Ramlila Maidan after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a rally there.
Kharge raised the issue in the Upper House, questioning why a havan was conducted at the venue after his August 8 rally and alleging that the episode reflected caste-based discrimination. BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP JP Nadda called the incident unfortunate, denied any involvement by BJP members and assured the House that an inquiry would be conducted.
Kharge calls out ‘shuddhikaran’ ceremony
Kharge said he had addressed a large gathering at the Ramlila Maidan without making any reference to a particular religion or community and had focused on government-related issues.
According to Kharge, a group subsequently performed a havan at the same stage, describing it as a purification ritual. He questioned whether such an act was compatible with democratic values and the Constitution.
Kharge also alleged that the episode amounted to discrimination against Dalits and accused those behind it of attempting to divide society along caste and religious lines.
The Congress chief further argued that the incident was not only offensive to him personally but also contrary to the principles of equality and constitutional democracy.
Nadda promises action
Responding to Kharge in the Rajya Sabha, Nadda said the incident was unfortunate and made it clear that BJP members were not involved in the ceremony.
He assured the House that the matter would be investigated, opening the possibility of action if the inquiry establishes any wrongdoing.
The assurance came amid a broader political confrontation between the BJP and Congress over the incident and the circumstances surrounding the ceremony.
Congress alleges BJP links, BJP denies charge
Uttarakhand Congress chief Ganesh Godiyal alleged that the group that conducted the ceremony, Shri Ram Sena, was associated with the BJP. The BJP has rejected the allegation.
Godiyal described the incident as caste discrimination and urged the Nainital police to investigate and take action if any law had been violated.
The BJP, meanwhile, has argued that the ceremony was linked to slogans allegedly raised during Kharge’s rally that some members of the Sanatan community considered objectionable. BJP state spokesperson and Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Khajan Das also rejected the Congress’s caste-based interpretation of the incident.
Political row widens
The controversy has now moved from Haldwani’s Ramlila Maidan to Parliament, with the Congress accusing the BJP camp of promoting caste discrimination and the BJP denying any connection with the purification ceremony.
With Nadda promising an inquiry, the focus now shifts to whether the investigation identifies those responsible and whether any action follows.
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