Kharge Raises ‘Purification’ Ritual at Uttarakhand Rally; Rajya Sabha Chairman Orders Probe

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday had raised the alleged episode of “purification” in the Uttarakhand venue where he had addressed a public gathering . The issue was raised in the Rajya Sabha, which invited the government to look into the matter and take action against the accused.

Kharge stated that some people in the BJP conducted a havan and purification ceremony at the stage after he spoke at Ram Lila Maidan, Haldwani. He asked for a discussion of the practice and expressed his ‘incomprehensible’ disapproval of it in a democracy.

In the Upper House, Kharge said he was not interested in making it a political controversy, but wasn’t satisfied that a case could be registered under the Untouchability (Offences) Act and those responsible could be arrested.

“Kharge said he did not take the name of any religion, and only referred to problems being faced by people. “…but some BJP people conducted a havan at the stage and shuddikaran [purification]…is this the way in a democracy… I am the leader of the Opposition [in Rajya Sabha],” he said.

Kharge said that despite spending years in this House, he has never said that he is a Dalit, a member of the Scheduled Caste, or in need of protection. He remarked, “I am capable of fighting …”

This led to an argument in the House and comments from members on both the treasury and Opposition benches.

Union minister-and Leader of the House JP Nadda spoke strongly and went against the alleged incident, which the BJP does not support. He said it was sad but that it will be looked into and action will be taken if found guilty. “The BJP does not subscribe to such activities. The incident is painful not just for the Congress but for all of us…”

Nadda promised the House that an investigation would be carried out and that action would be taken as the Opposition persisted in its protests. Nadda declared, “We condemn this, and this is a regrettable issue for all of us.” He objected to Kharge using the term “you people” while referring to the incident.

Insulting to Kharge was an insult to everybody, CP Radhakrishnan, Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, also said in condemning the alleged act. He instructed the government to thoroughly investigate and take action against those responsible. He remarked, “If untouchability is not a sin, then there is no sin in the world… we all condemn untouchability…all are purified and no need for anyone to purify us again and again…”

The controversy is taking place as Uttarakhand, where the BJP is ruling, is to hold Assembly elections next year. Earlier the Congress state unit had claimed that the purification ritual was conducted at the venue after Kharge’s speech by individuals associated with the ruling party.