Kharge Alleges Purification Ritual After Haldwani Rally Sparks Rajya Sabha Clash

A political controversy erupted in India's upper house of Parliament on Thursday after Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that a purification ritual was performed on a stage where he had addressed a rally, an act he described as an insult rooted in untouchability. The incident, which occurred in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, following a Congress rally on August 8, sparked a heated exchange in the Rajya Sabha between Kharge and Leader of the House J.P. Nadda, with the Chairman calling for an investigation.

Kharge, who is also the Congress president, told the House that he had spoken at Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani on August 8 before a large crowd, focusing solely on the problems of the people without mentioning any community or religion. He alleged that after his speech, individuals associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party performed a havan and a purification ritual on the stage. "You treat me as untouchable, perform purification, and insult me," Kharge said, questioning whether such actions were compatible with democracy and the protection of the Constitution. He demanded that cases be registered under the Untouchability Act and that those responsible be arrested.