Congress chief Kharge must get justice, we demand FIR: Rahul Gandhi on rally venue ‘purification’ in Uttarakhand
Rahul Gandhi has demanded an FIR under the SC/ST Act following a 'purification' ritual performed at a rally site previously used by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Gandhi characterized the act as a manifestation of untouchability and discriminatory mindsets.
Why it matters
The incident highlights deep-seated caste-based tensions in Indian politics and the ongoing struggle for social equality.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday (August 29, 2026) pressed for the registration of an FIR under the SC/ST law over the shuddhikaran havan (purification ritual) conducted at a public ground in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani after his party president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a public rally there earlier in the month.
“The BJP-RSS people practice untouchability, though it is banned, a crime as per Constitution,” Mr. Gandhi said, speaking at a press conference. He also played a video of Uttarakhand BJP president Mahendra Bhatt defending the ritual, stating ‘the place was polluted with slogans’.
Mr. Kharge addressed the “Vijay Shankhnaad ” rally at Haldwani’s Ramlila ground on August 8, 2026. Two days later, members of the Shri Ram Sena reportedly performed the ‘purification’ ritual at the same site.
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