Haldwani ‘purification’ ritual, FIR against Rahul expose BJP’s double standards: Uttam
Telangana Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy has criticized the BJP for a 'purification' ritual performed at a site where Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge spoke, labeling it an act of caste discrimination. He also condemned the filing of an FIR against Rahul Gandhi for speaking out against the incident, calling it an example of the BJP's double standards.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the ongoing political tensions regarding caste politics and the use of legal mechanisms to target opposition leaders in India.
Telangana Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy condemned the “purification” ritual performed on the stage where Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a public meeting in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, and criticised the registration of an FIR against Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for questioning the incident.
In a statement, Mr. Reddy said the developments reflected Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) “double standards”, alleging that those who conducted the ritual had escaped action while Mr. Gandhi was targeted for opposing what he described as symbolism associated with untouchability.
“No number of FIRs can deter Mr. Rahul Gandhi or the Congress Party from fighting the BJP’s politics of caste discrimination, hatred and intimidation,” he said.
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