3 days ago
Priyanka Demands FIR Under SC/ST Act Over Kharge Venue Ritual
Congress leaders say a place used by Mallikarjun Kharge for a rally was later symbolically purified.
They say this was insulting and similar to untouchability.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make sure police file a case.
She also requested action under a law protecting members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Rahul Gandhi made a similar demand.
Congress leaders said no action had been taken for 20 days.
Mahendra Bhatt reportedly said the slogans at the rally were not suitable for a religious place.
The BJP denied responsibility and J P Nadda said the incident would be investigated.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure an FIR over the alleged purification ceremony at Mallikarjun Kharge’s rally venue in Haldwani.
The ceremony reportedly took place at Ramlila Maidan after Kharge addressed a gathering there on August 8.
Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi described the act as untouchability, a constitutional violation and an offense under the SC/ST Act.
Congress leaders said no action had been taken 20 days after the incident and demanded arrests and legal proceedings.
The BJP denied responsibility, while Mahendra Bhatt reportedly defended the ritual and J P Nadda said the incident would be investigated.
- Who
- Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge; the BJP, Mahendra Bhatt and J P Nadda are involved in the dispute.
- What
- Congress demanded an FIR and action under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act over an alleged purification ceremony.
- Where
- Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani, Uttarakhand.
- When
- The rally took place on August 8; Priyanka Gandhi Vadra made her demand on August 30, saying 20 days had passed without action.
- Why
- Congress said the ceremony represented untouchability and violated constitutional and SC/ST protections; the BJP side cited inappropriate slogans and called for an investigation.
Congress’s allegations
BJP’s response
Meaning of the ceremony
Congress’s allegations
Congress leaders called the purification an act of untouchability, a constitutional crime and a violation of the SC/ST Act.
BJP’s response
Mahendra Bhatt reportedly said the venue had been polluted by slogans that were inappropriate for a religious place, while the BJP denied responsibility for the ceremony.
Legal action
Congress’s allegations
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi demanded an FIR, arrests and action under the SC/ST Act, saying no action had been taken after 20 days.
BJP’s response
J P Nadda said the BJP did not subscribe to such activities and that the incident would be investigated.
Responsibility
Congress’s allegations
Uttarakhand Congress alleged that Shri Ram Sena conducted the ceremony and was associated with the BJP.
BJP’s response
The BJP vehemently denied the alleged association and rejected Congress’s accusation.
Key facts
- Rally venue
- Ramlila Maidan, Haldwani, Uttarakhand
- Rally date
- August 8
- Congress demand
- An FIR, arrests and action under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act
- Congress allegation
- The ceremony reflected untouchability and a BJP-RSS mindset
- Reported defense
- Mahendra Bhatt reportedly said slogans at the venue were not fit for a religious place
- BJP response
- The BJP denied responsibility and said it did not support such activities; J P Nadda said the incident would be investigated
- Responsibility allegation
- Uttarakhand Congress alleged that Shri Ram Sena conducted the ceremony and was associated with the BJP; the BJP denied the charge
Quotes
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
Congress general secretary and party leader
“If the honourable Prime Minister Modi ji truly respects the Constitution of our country, then he should ensure that an FIR is filed against those who committed this crime in Uttarakhand and that action is taken under the SC/ST Act.”
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“The incident reflects the mindset of the BJP-RSS people who continue to practice untouchability, and they do not want Dalits to progress and live with respect and be successful.”
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Sources
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