Haldwani 'cleansing' dispute intensifies: Kharge accuses BJP of deepening caste divide

A political controversy intensified on Thursday over a 'purification ritual' performed at the Ram Lila ground in Haldwani after a public rally by Congress national president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge. The Congress has accused the BJP of promoting caste bias, while the ruling party has distanced itself from the incident.

Mr. Kharge strongly condemned the ritual and questioned the need for 'purification' of a public place after his rally. He alleged that the incident has exposed the BJP's anti-Dalit mindset. Mr. Kharge told journalists, "We have been saying from the beginning that there is no place for Dalits in this country. What was the need for 'purification' there?"

He said that the Ram Lila ground is a public place where all political parties regularly hold meetings, and performing a purification ritual after his rally is against both democratic values and the spirit of Hinduism. Mr. Kharge said, "People from every party hold public meetings at the Ram Lila ground, but what was done there is against Hinduism. The BJP is working to divide the country and create conflict between castes. There is a difference between the BJP's words and actions, and I condemn it."

The incident occurred after a rally organized by Mr. Kharge in Haldwani's Ram Lila ground on August 8 as part of preparations for the 2027 Uttarakhand Assembly elections. According to reports, members of the Shri Ram Sena performed a purification ritual at the site and 'havan' was performed near the stage used for Mr. Kharge's program, drawing a strong reaction from the Congress.

Congress General Secretary (Organization) K.C. Venugopal has demanded an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the incident. Venugopal wrote on social media platform 'X', "This is a shocking incident that reveals the BJP's anti-Dalit character, for which PM Modi should apologize." He mentioned Mr. Kharge's political journey, saying that he is a leader who has broken numerous social barriers to reach the top in Indian politics, and the BJP's action is against Dr. Ambedkar and the spirit of our Constitution.

On the other hand, the BJP has denied allegations that the party supported or organized the ritual. Former BJP president and Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha, J.P. Nadda, termed the incident as unfortunate and said that the party does not support such actions. Mr. Nadda assured the House, "What Kharge ji said is really unfortunate - not just for the Congress party but for all of us. The matter will be investigated."

The exchange between Mr. Kharge and Mr. Nadda on the last day of the Parliament's Monsoon Session heated up the atmosphere, after which the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha also had to intervene, emphasizing that everyone should condemn untouchability.

As the 2027 Uttarakhand Assembly elections approach, the controversy in Haldwani has become politically significant, with both parties expressing their respective positions on the issue.