Karnataka CM Defends Rahul Gandhi Against FIR Over Dalit Rights Stance

Shivakumar argued that Gandhi, in his capacity as the Leader of the Opposition, holds a democratic mandate to advocate for marginalized communities. He characterized the BJP’s legal move as an attempt to silence dissent, asserting that Gandhi’s demand for accountability regarding the treatment of Kharge is a legitimate exercise of his political duty. The incident has sparked broader unrest, with the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee organizing a protest at Bengaluru’s Freedom Park to denounce what they describe as the dictatorial stance of the central government.

The FIR, registered on August 30, follows a complaint by Amit Kumar, a member of the Valmiki community in Haldwani. Authorities have invoked the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act alongside provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Kumar alleges that Gandhi’s characterization of the ritual as a crime wounded the sentiments of the Scheduled Caste community. Gandhi remains firm in his position, insisting that the ritual was a discriminatory practice that violates the spirit of the Indian Constitution and the SC/ST Act.