Kharge Presses Nadda for FIR Over Haldwani Purification Ritual

The controversy traces back to an August 8 rally at Ram Leela Maidan, where Congress leaders held an event ahead of the 2027 Uttarakhand Assembly elections. Shortly after the crowd dispersed, members of a right-wing group conducted a shuddhikaran ritual at the site. Kharge later characterized the act as a targeted affront to his identity as a Dalit leader, questioning the compatibility of such exclusionary practices with democratic norms.

In his communication to Nadda, Kharge requested a formal directive to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to ensure the registration of a First Information Report against those responsible. He argued that the failure to act emboldens those who propagate discriminatory practices. The situation remains polarized; while Congress leadership frames the ritual as a modern manifestation of untouchability, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi has dismissed these claims, accusing the opposition of attempting to fracture Hindu society. Tensions were further compounded on August 30, when local police registered a separate FIR against Rahul Gandhi under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act following a complaint that his public criticism of the ritual offended the sentiments of the Valmiki community.