Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Congress Plans Nationwide Protest Over FIR Against Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi spoke about a purification ceremony held after Mallikarjun Kharge’s rally in Haldwani.
Police in Uttarakhand then registered a case against Gandhi.
The case concerns an allegation that he gave the ceremony a casteist meaning.
Gandhi had asked that BJP workers involved in the ceremony be prosecuted.
Congress says the ceremony itself was casteist and unfair.
The party also says the BJP is defending social injustice.
Congress plans protests across the country on Monday evening.
The police case and the party’s response present different views of what happened.
Uttarakhand Police filed an FIR against Rahul Gandhi over remarks concerning a purification ritual in Haldwani.
The ritual was held after Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s rally at the venue.
Gandhi had demanded prosecution of BJP workers involved in the purification ritual.
Congress said its workers would protest nationwide on Monday evening against what it called an assault on social justice.
Congress general secretary K C Venugopal accused the BJP of defending casteist behavior.
- Who
- Rahul Gandhi, Uttarakhand Police, the Congress, BJP workers, Mallikarjun Kharge, and K C Venugopal.
- What
- An FIR was filed against Rahul Gandhi over remarks about a purification ritual, prompting Congress to announce nationwide protests.
- When
- The FIR was filed one day before Congress announced protests for Monday evening.
- Where
- The ritual took place in Haldwani, Uttarakhand; protests are planned across the country.
- Why
- Police allege Gandhi gave a casteist spin to the ritual, while Congress says the ritual reflected casteist behavior and social injustice.
Congress’s position
FIR allegation
Interpretation of the purification ritual
Congress’s position
Congress described the purification carried out after Mallikarjun Kharge’s rally as abhorrently casteist and accused the BJP of defending social injustice.
FIR allegation
The FIR concerns an allegation that Rahul Gandhi gave a casteist spin to the purification ritual.
Response to the police case
Congress’s position
Congress called the FIR part of the BJP’s assault on constitutional values and social justice, and said its workers would protest nationwide.
FIR allegation
Uttarakhand Police filed the FIR against Gandhi over the alleged casteist characterization of the ritual.
- FIR subject
- Rahul Gandhi
- Filing authority
- Uttarakhand Police
- Location of ritual
- Haldwani, Uttarakhand
- Event preceding ritual
- Mallikarjun Kharge’s Congress rally
- Protest timing
- Monday evening
- Protest scope
- Across the country
- Congress spokesperson quoted
- K C Venugopal