Congress protests over ‘purification’ of stage after Kharge’s speech, FIR against Rahul Gandhi
Congress activists in Karnataka held protests against a reported ritualistic purification of a stage in Uttarakhand following a speech by Mallikarjun Kharge. The party also condemned the filing of an FIR against Rahul Gandhi for his criticism of the incident, labeling the government's actions as casteist and politically motivated.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing tensions regarding caste-based discrimination in public spaces and the use of legal mechanisms against political opposition in India.
Congress activists staged protests in Kalaburagi and Ballari on Saturday (September 12) against the reported “purification” of a stage in Uttarakhand following an address by Congress president and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, and condemned the registration of an FIR against Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on the incident.
Congress leaders described the reported purification ritual as a reflection of a regressive and casteist mindset and accused the BJP-led Uttarakhand government of using investigative and legal mechanisms to target Opposition leaders.
In Kalaburagi, District Congress Campaign Committee president Ashok Veeranayaka led a silent padayatra from the District Congress Office to Jagat Circle and staged a demonstration in front of Ambedkar statue. Party leaders and workers carried portraits of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during the march.
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