Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has demanded an FIR under the SC/ST Act following a 'purification ritual' performed at the site of Mallikarjun Kharge's rally in Haldwani, Uttarakhand.

  • A 'shuddhikaran havan' was performed at Haldwani's Ramlila ground after Kharge's rally.
  • Rahul Gandhi labeled the act as a practice of untouchability and a constitutional crime.
  • Congress is seeking immediate legal action under the SC/ST Act.
  • Uttarakhand BJP chief defended the ritual, citing 'pollution' by slogans.

In a scathing attack on the ruling dispensation, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has demanded the registration of an FIR under the SC/ST Act regarding a 'purification ritual' conducted in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. The ritual took place at the public ground where Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had addressed a massive rally earlier this month.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Gandhi accused the BJP-RSS ideology of perpetuating untouchability, a practice strictly banned by the Indian Constitution. "The BJP-RSS people practice untouchability, though it is banned, a crime as per Constitution," Gandhi stated, highlighting the regressive nature of the incident.

Read Also:Minister Bindu Krishna Promises Top Priority for Children's Welfare

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this incident transcends local politics; it strikes at the heart of India's constitutional commitment to equality. The use of religious rituals to 'cleanse' a space occupied by political opponents suggests a deep-seated social hierarchy that challenges the democratic fabric of the nation.

"If such an act can be perpetrated against a senior leader like Mallikarjun Kharge, it sets a dangerous precedent for the safety and dignity of every citizen in the country."

The controversy stems from the 'Vijay Shankhnaad' rally held by Mr. Kharge on August 8, 2026. Two days later, members of the Shri Ram Sena reportedly performed a 'purification' ceremony at the same Ramlila ground. Uttarakhand BJP President Mahendra Bhatt defended the act, claiming the venue was 'polluted' with slogans, a statement that Gandhi used to illustrate the 'casteist mindset' of the leadership.

Historical Background

The struggle against untouchability has been a cornerstone of the Indian independence movement and remains a critical legal battleground today. The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, was enacted to prevent crimes against these communities and to provide for special courts for the trial of such offenses, ensuring that social dignity is protected by law.

Did You Know?: Article 17 of the Indian Constitution explicitly abolishes 'Untouchability' and forbids its practice in any form.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was the 'purification ritual' mentioned in the news?
It was a 'shuddhikaran havan' performed at a rally site in Haldwani, which Congress claims was intended to demean the presence of the Congress leadership.

2. What is the Congress party's demand?
The Congress party demands that the Prime Minister order an immediate FIR under the SC/ST Act against those responsible for the ritual.