‘Purification’ row: Congress terms BJP ‘anti-Dalit’ for not halting protest to adopt resolution
The Congress party accused the BJP of being 'anti-Dalit' for obstructing a resolution condemning a 'purification' ceremony in Uttarakhand after AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, a Dalit leader, addressed a rally. Congress members emphasized the insult and the need for a strong message against discrimination, while BJP members continued their protest over alleged misuse of funds by a Congress minister.
Why it matters
This article details a significant political and social controversy in India, involving allegations of caste-based discrimination and political maneuvering, underscoring tensions between major parties and issues of social justice.
The Congress on Tuesday launched a counter-attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party, terming it “anti-Dalit” for refusing to suspend its protest in the Assembly demanding the resignation of Minister B. Nagendra, thereby preventing the House from adopting a unanimous resolution condemning the “purification” ceremony conducted at a venue in Uttarakhand after AICC president and Dalit leader Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a rally there.
A “purification” ritual was reportedly conducted at a public ground in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani, two days after Mr. Kharge addressed a public rally there on August 8, drawing widespread condemnation.
The issue was raised in the Assembly on Tuesday by Congress members Sharat Bachhe Gowda and N.T. Srinivas, who termed the “purification” as a heinous crime and demanded that Karnataka, being the land of social reformer Basavanna, should send a strong message by allowing its Houses to adopt an unanimous resolution against such discrimination.
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