Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Kharge Seeks FIR Over Haldwani Purification Incident
Mallikarjun Kharge spoke at a Congress meeting in Haldwani on August 8.
Reports say some people later performed a purification ritual at the same place.
Kharge said the ritual was connected to untouchability and hurt many people.
He reminded J.P. Nadda that Nadda had promised an investigation.
Kharge now wants an FIR against the people and organisations allegedly responsible.
Instead, police filed an FIR against Rahul Gandhi after he criticised the ritual.
The Congress says this shifts attention away from the original incident.
The BJP says Congress is using the issue for political reasons.
Mallikarjun Kharge urged J.P. Nadda to direct Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to ensure an FIR over the alleged Haldwani venue purification.
The reported purification ritual took place at Ramlila Maidan on August 11, after Kharge addressed a Congress rally there on August 8.
Kharge said no FIR had been registered against the individuals or organisations allegedly involved, despite Nadda’s assurance of an investigation and action.
An FIR was filed against Rahul Gandhi after a complaint alleged that he gave a casteist interpretation to the ritual, according to the reports.
The Congress called the case against Gandhi an attempt to divert attention, while the BJP accused Congress of politicising the controversy ahead of assembly polls.
- Who
- Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, J.P. Nadda, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Rahul Gandhi, the Congress and the BJP.
- What
- Kharge asked Nadda to ensure an FIR against those allegedly involved in a purification ritual at the Haldwani rally venue.
- When
- Kharge’s rally was held on August 8, 2026; the reported ritual occurred on August 11; Kharge raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha on August 13 or August 14, according to differing reports; his letter was dated September 2 and reported on September 3.
- Where
- Ramlila Maidan, also called Ramlila Ground, in Haldwani, Uttarakhand.
- Why
- Kharge said the ritual was linked to untouchability and violated constitutional principles and human values, and sought action against those responsible.
Congress position
BJP position
Meaning of the ritual
Congress position
Congress says the alleged purification was linked to untouchability, caste discrimination and violations of constitutional values and human dignity.
BJP position
BJP leaders, including Pushkar Singh Dhami, defended the ritual and gave it a communal explanation, saying it responded to allegedly divisive slogans at Kharge’s meeting.
Police action
Congress position
Congress wants an FIR under the SC/ST Act against those allegedly responsible and says the case against Rahul Gandhi diverts attention from the original incident.
BJP position
The FIR against Gandhi followed a complaint alleging that he insulted Dalits by falsely portraying a religious ritual as an anti-Dalit act.
Political motivation
Congress position
Kharge says the controversy concerns the sentiments of millions who face untouchability and is not merely a personal or party matter.
BJP position
The BJP accused Congress of petty politics over the issue ahead of assembly polls and described Gandhi as anti-Dalit.
- Rally date
- August 8, 2026
- Reported ritual
- A purification yajna was allegedly conducted at Ramlila Maidan on August 11, after Kharge’s meeting.
- Kharge’s request
- He asked J.P. Nadda to direct Pushkar Singh Dhami to ensure an FIR.
- Nadda’s assurance
- Nadda said the incident would be investigated and that action would follow against those found guilty.
- FIR status cited by Kharge
- Kharge said no FIR had been filed against the organisations or individuals allegedly involved, even after 24 days.
- FIR against Rahul Gandhi
- An FIR was filed after a complaint alleged that Gandhi gave a casteist interpretation to the reported religious ritual.
- Political response
- Congress protested and sought cases under the SC/ST Act, while the BJP accused it of petty politics ahead of assembly polls.
