Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Union Minister J.P. Nadda, demanding registration of an FIR in connection with the purification of a stage in Haldwani.
Kharge said that even 24 days after the incident, no FIR had been registered against the individuals and organisations responsible.
Stage purified after Kharge’s August 8 meeting
Kharge in his letter stated that the stage at Ramlila Maidan was purified after his public meeting in Haldwani on August 8.
He urged Nadda to direct the Uttarakhand Chief Minister, in line with the assurance given in the Rajya Sabha, to ensure that an FIR is registered against those involved in the purification.
‘Such people must be taught a lesson’
Kharge said action was necessary against those responsible and that such people must be taught a lesson. He stressed that his anger over the incident was not merely personal, but was directed at a mindset that, according to him, affects a large section of society.
Mallikarjun Kharge shared information about the letter in an X post.
Nadda condemned the incident in the Rajya Sabha
While raising the issue in the Rajya Sabha on August 13, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that BJP workers performed a havan to purify the stage after his speech.
Identifying himself as a member of the Scheduled Caste community, Kharge called the incident objectionable and demanded action against those responsible under the Untouchability Act.
Nadda assured strict action after investigation
Condemning the incident, Union Minister J.P. Nadda said the BJP did not support any such activity. He assured the House that the matter would be thoroughly investigated and that strict action would be taken if anyone was found guilty.
Kharge links incident to untouchability mindset
Kharge has now described the incident as being against the spirit of the Constitution and human values, linking it to a mindset of untouchability.
Referring to Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s Mahad Satyagraha, he said the issue was not merely personal but concerned the feelings of millions who continue to face such social attitudes.
On August 13, Union Minister J.P. Nadda assured the Rajya Sabha that action would be taken regarding the purification.
What is the full Haldwani purification controversy?
On August 8, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a public meeting at Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani.
The Congress alleges that three days later, on August 11, some people performed a havan-yajna at the venue and allegedly carried out a purification ritual on the stage used by Kharge.
Congress alleges caste-based discrimination
The Congress linked the alleged purification to caste-based discrimination and a mindset of untouchability, and protested against the incident.
The issue was subsequently raised by Kharge in the Rajya Sabha, where he demanded action against those responsible.
Rahul Gandhi demands FIR under SC/ST Act
On August 29, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi held a press conference in Delhi over the controversy.
Describing the alleged purification as an instance of untouchability, he demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi direct the registration of an FIR against those responsible under the SC/ST Act.
A day after Kharge’s rally, Hindu organizations conducted a purification havan at Haldwani’s Ramlila Maidan on August 9.
FIR registered against Rahul Gandhi over Haldwani remarks
An FIR was registered against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at Haldwani Kotwali on the night of August 30, following a complaint over his remarks on the alleged purification of a stage in Haldwani.
Complaint filed by Valmiki community member
According to police, Haldwani resident Amit Kumar submitted a written complaint on August 30. Kumar belongs to the Valmiki community and is reportedly associated as an office-bearer with the Shri Ram Sena Charitable Service Trust.
Complainant alleges remarks hurt caste sentiments
The complaint alleged that during a press conference in Delhi on August 29, Rahul Gandhi described the Haldwani purification incident as an issue of caste and untouchability.
The complainant claimed that Gandhi’s remarks hurt caste sentiments and could affect social harmony.
Case registered under SC/ST Act and BNS
Police have registered a case against Rahul Gandhi under the SC/ST Act and Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). DSP Amit Kumar has been assigned responsibility for investigating the case.
