Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Haldwani Purification Ritual Sparks Caste Discrimination and Political Row
A group called the Shri Ram Sena Dharmarth Seva Nyas organized a cleaning and prayer ceremony at a public ground in Haldwani.
This happened after Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge held a rally there.
The group said the ground had been made dirty and that some slogans and the presence of people from another faith had hurt Hindu feelings.
Congress leaders said the ceremony was really an insulting act against Kharge because he is Dalit.
The Nyas denied that caste had anything to do with its actions.
A Nyas member named Amit Kumar filed a police case against Rahul Gandhi after Gandhi criticized the ceremony.
The Congress also complained to police about the Nyas and other people involved.
Police said they were still examining the complaints and investigating the case against Gandhi.
The Shri Ram Sena Dharmarth Seva Nyas held a cleaning and havan at Haldwani’s Ramlila Maidan after Mallikarjun Kharge’s August 8 rally.
The Nyas said the ritual was intended to restore the site’s religious and cultural sanctity, not address Kharge’s caste.
Congress leaders called the ritual caste discrimination and untouchability, alleging it targeted Kharge, a Dalit leader.
Nyas member Amit Kumar filed an FIR against Rahul Gandhi under the SC/ST Act, accusing him of defaming Dalits.
The Congress filed a complaint against Nyas president Girish Pandey and 15 unidentified people; police said the matter remained under examination.
- Who
- The Shri Ram Sena Dharmarth Seva Nyas, Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Amit Kumar, and the Indian National Congress are central to the dispute.
- What
- A cleaning and havan described as a shuddhi yagya followed Kharge’s rally, prompting accusations of caste discrimination and competing police complaints.
- When
- Kharge’s rally took place on August 8; the ritual was held the next day, and complaints were filed between August 29 and August 31.
- Where
- The events took place at Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani, Uttarakhand.
- Why
- The Nyas said it wanted to restore the site’s religious and cultural sanctity, while Congress leaders said the act reflected caste discrimination against Kharge.
Congress and Critics
Nyas and Supporters
Meaning of the purification ritual
Congress and Critics
Congress leaders described the ritual as caste discrimination, untouchability, and an insult directed at Dalit leader Mallikarjun Kharge.
Nyas and Supporters
The Nyas said the ritual had no connection with Kharge’s caste and was intended to clean the ground and restore its religious and cultural sanctity.
Reason for holding the ceremony
Congress and Critics
Congress representatives alleged that the ritual reflected hostility toward Kharge and political collusion, pointing to the lack of action on their complaint.
Nyas and Supporters
Nyas representatives said the rally had left garbage and empty liquor bottles and that slogans and the presence of people from another faith had hurt Hindu sentiments.
Political affiliations
Congress and Critics
Congress MLA Sumit Hridayesh said the circumstances suggested collusion and criticized police for registering a case against Rahul Gandhi while not acting on the Congress complaint.
Nyas and Supporters
Nyas office-bearers denied links to the Bharatiya Janata Party, Vishva Hindu Parishad, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, or any political party.
- Organisation
- Shri Ram Sena Dharmarth Seva Nyas
- Registration
- The Nyas was formally registered in early 2026.
- Reported membership
- The secretary cited seven registered members and office-bearers, 11 active workers, and about 45 volunteers.
- Rally date
- Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a rally at Ramlila Maidan on August 8.
- Ritual date
- The ground was cleaned and a havan was held on August 9.
- FIR against Rahul Gandhi
- Amit Kumar filed a case under the SC/ST Act, accusing Gandhi of defaming Dalits.
- Congress complaint
- The Congress complained against Girish Pandey and 15 unidentified people on August 31.