2 weeks ago
Kharge demands case over Haldwani stage purification; Nadda assures probe
Mr. Kharge is a very important leader in India's Parliament.
He went to a town called Haldwani and gave a speech about the problems that ordinary people face.
After his speech, some people cleaned the stage where he had stood, as if it needed to be made pure again.
Mr. Kharge felt very hurt and insulted by this.
He said he had not said anything bad about any religion or group of people.
He believes the cleaning was unfair and is connected to untouchability, which means treating people badly because of their caste or background.
Mr. Kharge asked the police to register a case and put the people who cleaned the stage in jail.
Other leaders said the act was wrong too.
A minister named J.P. Nadda promised to investigate and said his party does not support such actions.
The person in charge of the meeting, C.P. Radhakrishnan, said treating someone like this is a sin and that those responsible should be punished.
Congress president and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that people associated with the BJP performed a havan and purified the stage at Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, after his speech.
Kharge said he spoke only about people's problems without naming any religion or section of society, and demanded that cases be registered under the Untouchability Act with those involved arrested and sent to jail.
Union minister and Leader of the House J.P. Nadda condemned the incident, said the BJP does not subscribe to such activities, and assured that the party president and the government would investigate and take action.
Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan said 'if untouchability is not a sin, there is no sin in this world' and urged the government to identify and punish those responsible.
The incident triggered sloganeering by members of both Opposition and Treasury benches in the Rajya Sabha on the last day of the monsoon session, where the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill was taken up amid the uproar.
- Who
- Congress president and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, who alleged the stage was purified; Union minister and Leader of the House J.P. Nadda, who condemned the act and assured a probe; and Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan, who urged the government to identify and punish those responsible.
- What
- Kharge alleged that people associated with the BJP performed a havan and purified the stage at Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani after his speech, and demanded cases under the Untouchability Act; the incident dominated the Rajya Sabha on the last day of the monsoon session.
- Where
- The alleged purification occurred at Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani, Uttarakhand; the matter was raised in the Rajya Sabha in New Delhi.
- When
- Thursday, August 13, the last day of the monsoon session.
- Why
- Kharge said the purification was an insult even though he had spoken only about people's problems without naming any religion or community, and he connected the act to the practice of untouchability.
Congress / Opposition view
BJP / Government view
Who is responsible for the purification
Congress / Opposition view
Kharge alleged that people associated with the BJP performed a havan and carried out the 'purification' of the stage, calling it an insult tied to untouchability; he said that despite his Dalit identity he could fight such insults without seeking protection.
BJP / Government view
Nadda said the incident was sad for everyone, that the BJP does not subscribe to such activities, and that the party president and the government would investigate the matter and take action.
What legal action should follow
Congress / Opposition view
Kharge demanded immediate registration of cases under the Untouchability Act against those involved and their arrest and imprisonment.
BJP / Government view
The government response centred on a promised investigation and action rather than confirming a case, with Chairman Radhakrishnan urging the government to identify and punish those responsible.
How the issue was handled in the House
Congress / Opposition view
Opposition members protested loudly, raised slogans including on the Ram Temple issue, and demanded the presence of the Home Minister.
BJP / Government view
The Chair declined an Opposition notice of disapproval of the Mines Bill, and the House continued with its scheduled business amid the protests.
Key facts
- Congress president
- Mallikarjun Kharge
- Incident location
- Ramlila Maidan, Haldwani, Uttarakhand
- Alleged act
- BJP associates performed a havan and purified the stage after Kharge's speech
- Kharge's demand
- Cases under the Untouchability Act; arrest and jail for those involved
- Nadda's response
- BJP does not subscribe to such activities; party president and government will investigate and act
- Chairman's remark
- If untouchability is not a sin, there is no sin in this world
- Date
- August 13 (Thursday)
- Context
- Last day of Parliament's monsoon session
Quotes
Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan
Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
“I only spoke about the problems of the people. He also said he does not intend to politicise the issue, but they have ‘insulted’ him by purifying the stage. “Is this the way democracy works? How are you protecting the Constitution?””
theprint.in
rediff.com
“"This is a very sad incident, not just for the Congress but for all of us. The BJP does not subscribe to such activities. We will investigate it, and I condemn this incident."”
theprint.in
rediff.com
Sources
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