Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Union Minister and senior BJP leader J P Nadda, urging him to ensure the registration of a First Information Report over an alleged purification ritual conducted at Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani, Uttarakhand.
The controversy relates to an alleged purification ceremony held at the venue after a public meeting addressed by Kharge on August 8. Congress leaders have objected to the reported ritual and have described it as an offensive act. The BJP and other parties have disputed aspects of the Congress account, making the issue a subject of political controversy.
In his latest letter to Nadda, Kharge recalled the assurance given by the BJP leader in the Rajya Sabha that the matter would be investigated. Kharge said that 24 days had passed since the incident, but an FIR had still not been registered against the individuals and organisations allegedly responsible.
Kharge has requested Nadda to intervene and direct Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to ensure that an FIR is registered and appropriate action is taken. The Congress president has argued that the matter goes beyond his individual position and concerns broader questions of social equality and dignity.
The alleged incident took place at Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani following a Congress public meeting addressed by Kharge. According to reports, members of a right-wing organisation later conducted what was described as a purification ritual at the venue. The incident drew criticism from Congress leaders, who questioned the nature and motivation of the ceremony.
Kharge subsequently raised the matter in Parliament. He alleged that the incident was connected to his identity as a Dalit leader and questioned whether such an act was acceptable in a democratic society. The issue has since developed into a political dispute between the Congress and BJP.
Nadda had earlier assured that the allegations would be examined and that the facts would be established through an investigation. Kharge has now referred to that assurance while seeking further action from the BJP leadership and the Uttarakhand government.
The Congress has maintained that the alleged incident should be investigated through the legal process and that those responsible should face action if the allegations are established. The party has also linked the issue to its broader concerns regarding caste discrimination and social equality.
The BJP, however, has rejected the Congress’s interpretation of the controversy. BJP leaders have questioned the claims surrounding the alleged ritual and have maintained that the incident should not be presented in a misleading manner. Reports have also quoted BJP leaders and local representatives disputing the Congress narrative.
The controversy has expanded beyond the original incident, with political leaders from both parties exchanging allegations and statements. Rahul Gandhi has also spoken publicly about the issue and demanded legal action. An FIR was subsequently registered against Gandhi in Haldwani over remarks he made concerning the controversy, according to recent reports.
The latest development comes as Kharge seeks renewed intervention from Nadda. His letter specifically refers to the absence of an FIR against those allegedly involved in the purification ceremony and asks the BJP leader to direct the Uttarakhand government to take appropriate steps.
The matter has therefore become both a legal and political issue in Uttarakhand. While the Congress is seeking an FIR and investigation, the BJP has challenged the allegations and the manner in which the incident has been portrayed.
For now, Kharge’s latest appeal puts the focus on whether the Uttarakhand authorities will register an FIR concerning the alleged purification ritual and conduct an investigation. Any further legal action will depend on the findings of the authorities and the evidence available in the case.