The alleged purification ritual after Mallikarjun Kharge’s Haldwani rally has now reached Parliament. Kharge leads Congress and serves as Rajya Sabha Opposition Leader. On Wednesday, he raised the matter inside the Upper House. He said his rally speech never targeted any religion or community. However, Kharge alleged BJP-linked people later performed a havan on the same stage. According to him, they conducted the ritual to “purify” that platform.
Kharge said he had addressed a public meeting at Haldwani’s Ramlila Maidan. According to him, lakhs of people attended the gathering. During his speech, Kharge said he focused only on issues concerning the government. He again stressed that he never mentioned any religion or social group.
The Congress president then questioned whether democracy allows such conduct. Moreover, he asked whether such actions could protect the Constitution. Kharge said his position as Rajya Sabha Opposition Leader made the incident particularly serious.
JP Nadda Says BJP Does Not Support Such Incidents
Union Minister JP Nadda responded to Kharge’s allegations during the Rajya Sabha discussion. He described the matter as painful and regrettable for everyone. Furthermore, Nadda clearly said BJP does not support such incidents.
Kharge had demanded an inquiry into the episode. In response, Nadda said the party would investigate the matter thoroughly. However, he also made another point regarding the allegations.
Nadda said Kharge should not directly blame BJP before investigators complete their examination. Meanwhile, disruptions continued inside Rajya Sabha during the exchange.
Kharge later said he did not want to turn the matter into a political issue. He stated, “I am a Dalit, but I have never begged before anyone. I fight.” Furthermore, Kharge alleged that the purification ritual insulted him. He also promised to continue raising his voice for constitutional and democratic values.
Purification Yagya Followed Kharge’s August 8 Rally
Mallikarjun Kharge had addressed the “Vijay Shankhnaad Rally” at Haldwani’s Ramlila Maidan on August 8. After the event ended, Shri Ram Sena Dharmarth Seva Nyas organised a purification yagya there.
Members of the organisation described Kharge as an opponent of Sanatan and Hindu groups. They said Ramlila takes place on that same ground. Therefore, they argued that his visit made purification necessary.
The organisation also cited Kharge’s previous alleged anti-Sanatan statements while explaining its decision. Consequently, that ritual triggered the controversy which later reached Rajya Sabha.
