Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Congress Protests BJP Chief’s Remarks Over Haldwani Rally Purification
Congress workers protested outside the home of Uttarakhand BJP leader Mahendra Bhatt.
They were upset about comments concerning a purification ceremony at a rally venue.
The rally had been addressed by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.
The ceremony reportedly happened at Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani after the August 8 gathering.
Protesters said the issue could divide people.
Police stopped them with barricades before they reached Bhatt’s residence.
Congress leaders asked the government to take action and register a police case.
Bhatt said the purification was about garbage and slogans, not Kharge’s caste.
Congress workers protested outside Uttarakhand BJP president Mahendra Bhatt’s Dehradun residence.
The protest concerned Bhatt’s alleged support for a purification ceremony at a Haldwani rally venue.
The venue hosted Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s gathering on August 8.
Protesters were stopped by police barricades near Bhatt’s residence in Yamuna Colony.
Congress leaders demanded action and an FIR, citing concerns about social division.
- Who
- Congress workers, led by Madan Lal and Jaswinder Singh Jogi, protested against Uttarakhand BJP president Mahendra Bhatt.
- What
- They protested Bhatt’s alleged support for a purification ceremony at a rally venue and demanded action against him.
- When
- The protest was reported on August 29; the rally at issue took place on August 8.
- Where
- Near Bhatt’s residence in Yamuna Colony, Dehradun; the alleged purification occurred at Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani.
- Why
- Congress leaders said Bhatt’s remarks and the ritual could divide society and demanded an FIR.
Congress’ Position
Mahendra Bhatt’s Explanation
Meaning of the purification ceremony
Congress’ Position
Congress leaders alleged that defending the ritual could divide society and demanded action against Bhatt.
Mahendra Bhatt’s Explanation
Bhatt reportedly said the venue was purified because it had been polluted by garbage and slogans that could not be raised at a religious place.
Caste-related interpretation
Congress’ Position
Congress described the issue as serious enough to warrant an FIR and said it had exposed the Uttarakhand government.
Mahendra Bhatt’s Explanation
Bhatt clarified that the purification was not related to Mallikarjun Kharge’s caste.
Government response
Congress’ Position
Congress president Ganesh Godiyal said no action had been taken despite protests and police complaints.
Mahendra Bhatt’s Explanation
The report does not state a separate response from the Uttarakhand government or BJP beyond Bhatt’s explanation.
- Protest location
- Near Mahendra Bhatt’s residence in Yamuna Colony, Dehradun
- Rally venue
- Ramlila Maidan, Haldwani
- Rally date
- August 8
- Congress protest leaders
- Madan Lal and Jaswinder Singh Jogi
- Congress demand
- Action against Mahendra Bhatt and registration of an FIR
- Police response
- Barricades stopped protesters from proceeding
- Bhatt’s explanation
- He said the purification concerned garbage and prohibited slogans, not Mallikarjun Kharge’s caste
