BJP’s ‘casteist nature’ exposed by Haldwani ritual defence, says Congress
The Congress party has accused the BJP of maintaining a 'casteist nature' following a purification ritual performed at a rally site after a speech by Dalit leader Mallikarjun Kharge. The incident has led to a heated political exchange regarding untouchability and discrimination in modern India.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the persistent role of caste politics in Indian elections and the ongoing friction between major political parties regarding social justice.
Accusing BJP’s Uttarakhand unit president Mahendra Bhatt of defending the alleged purification ritual conducted at a venue in Haldwani after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a rally there, the party on Thursday (August 27, 2026) asked whether the ruling BJP would act against him for “defending untouchability”.
The framing focuses heavily on the Congress party's accusations and their characterization of the BJP's actions.
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