‘Shuddhikaran’ row: Haryana Congress protests over FIR against Rahul Gandhi
Haryana Congress leaders staged a protest in Chandigarh to demand the withdrawal of an FIR filed against Rahul Gandhi in Uttarakhand. The FIR stems from Gandhi's criticism of a 'purification' ceremony, which he labeled as a form of untouchability, while the complainant alleges Gandhi gave a casteist spin to the event.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the ongoing political tensions in India regarding caste-based rhetoric and the use of legal mechanisms to address political speech.
The Haryana Congress on Tuesday (September 1, 2026) staged a protest in Chandigarh over the registration of an FIR against party leader Rahul Gandhi in Uttarakhand, demanding its withdrawal.
Mr. Gandhi has been booked in Haldwani following a complaint by a member of the Valmiki community alleging that the Congress leader gave a "casteist spin" to a religious ritual held at the venue of the Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge .
Criticising the registration of the FIR, the Haryana Congress MLAs and other leaders led by former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda held the protest outside the Haryana Congress office in Chandigarh.
Haryana Congress MLAs, including Hooda, Geeta Bhukkal, Raghuvir Singh Kadian and other leaders, were holding placards demanding that the FIR against Mr. Gandhi be withdrawn.
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Hooda said Mr. Gandhi had demanded registration of an FIR in the 'shuddhikaran' (purification) ceremony issue.
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