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The 'purification' that took place in Haldwani, Uttarakhand has become a thorn in the side of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has now demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in this matter. He alleges that this ritual was performed after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge addressed the rally because he comes from Dalit community.

Mallikarjun Kharge had addressed a Congress rally at Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani on August 8. Two days later, some people of Shri Ram Sena performed 'Shudhikaran Havan' at the same place. Congress says that this work was done considering the caste of Mallikarjun Kharge and this is caste discrimination.

'FIR on purification'

Speaking at Indira Bhawan in Delhi, Rahul Gandhi said that this work is a violation of the SC-ST Act. He said the ritual of purification is a crime, yet no action has been taken yet. Therefore, he demanded immediate registration of FIR against those performing this ritual in Uttarakhand.

'PM Modi should order FIR'

Rahul Gandhi also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that the Prime Minister calls himself the Prime Minister of every caste and of the whole of India, but the President of his party is justifying this purification. He appealed to the Prime Minister to immediately order an FIR to be lodged under the SC-ST Act. He said that it is the responsibility of both the state government and the central government to provide justice to Mallikarjun Kharge.

What has BJP said on the allegations?

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has denied its involvement in this matter. The party says it was a traditional ritual and has no connection with Mallikarjun Kharge's programme. Kharge also raised this issue in Rajya Sabha. He asked why there was a need for purification after his speech.

What is Congress going to do now?

Union Minister JP Nadda termed the incident as unfortunate and said that the Bharatiya Janata Party does not support such actions. He assured the House that the matter would be investigated. Congress is still demanding action. A party delegation met Uttarakhand Governor Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh (retd) on August 24. Congress alleges that despite JP Nadda's assurance, concrete action has not been taken yet.