Rahul Gandhi Demands FIR Under SC/ST Act Over ‘Purification’ At Kharge Rally Venue
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday demanded an FIR under the SC/ST Act against those allegedly involved in a ‘shuddhikaran’ or purification ritual at a venue in Haldwani where party president Mallikarjun Kharge had addressed a rally.
Addressing a press conference at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi, Gandhi described the incident as untouchability and accused the BJP-RSS of perpetuating caste discrimination. He questioned why no action had been taken nearly 20 days after the incident.
Gandhi said BJP-RSS workers carried out the alleged purification on August 10, two days after Kharge’s rally. Kharge later raised the matter in Parliament on August 13.
“This is another name for untouchability,” Gandhi said, arguing that the incident reflected a mindset that considers Dalits impure and seeks to prevent them from advancing with dignity. He demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi direct authorities to register an FIR and ensure justice.
Gandhi alleged that Uttarakhand BJP president Mahendra Bhatt had defended the purification, while Modi had remained silent. He said the controversy was not limited to Kharge but concerned the rights and dignity of every Dalit citizen.
Citing Kharge, Rajasthan Congress leader Tikaram Jully and NDA minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, Gandhi alleged that Dalit leaders had faced similar incidents. He said discrimination becomes more intense when Dalits achieve greater success and prominence.
The Leader of Opposition also framed the issue as a clash between the constitutional vision of equality and the ideology he attributed to the BJP-RSS.
Gandhi warned that the Congress would continue pressing for action. “If they take action, very good. If they don’t take action, then there will be some reaction,” he said.
Later, in a post on X, Gandhi again demanded an FIR under the SC/ST Act.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also accused the BJP of allowing an atmosphere in which anti-Dalit incidents could recur.