Archive · 30 Aug 2026
'Purification' Ritual After Kharge Rally Sparks Political Dispute
A political meeting was held by Kharge in Haldwani on August 8.
Afterward, an alleged ritual called “purification” reportedly happened at the same place.
A Congress leader said Shri Ram Sena carried it out.
He also said the group was connected with the BJP.
The BJP denied being connected to the ritual.
Kharge said the people involved should face cases under the untouchability law.
He also asked that they be arrested.
Chirag Paswan criticized the ritual and separately mocked Rahul Gandhi, although the exact words were not given.
Chirag Paswan condemned an alleged “purification” ritual held after a Mallikarjun Kharge rally.
The ritual allegedly took place at Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani, where Kharge spoke on August 8.
Uttarakhand Congress chief Ganesh Godiyal alleged that Shri Ram Sena conducted the ceremony.
Godiyal linked Shri Ram Sena to the Bharatiya Janata Party, while the BJP strongly denied the allegation.
Kharge demanded untouchability-law cases and arrests, while Paswan also took a dig at Rahul Gandhi.
- Who
- Chirag Paswan, Mallikarjun Kharge, Uttarakhand Congress chief Ganesh Godiyal, Shri Ram Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party are mentioned.
- What
- An alleged “purification” ceremony after Kharge’s rally prompted criticism, demands for legal action and political disagreement.
- When
- The rally took place on August 8; Kharge raised the issue in the upper house earlier this month.
- Where
- Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani, Uttarakhand.
- Why
- Congress alleged the ceremony was conducted by Shri Ram Sena and linked to the BJP; the BJP denied the allegation.
Congress and Critics
BJP and Its Denial
Who conducted the ritual
Congress and Critics
Ganesh Godiyal alleged that Shri Ram Sena performed the alleged purification ceremony and associated it with the BJP.
BJP and Its Denial
The BJP vehemently denied the allegation that it was associated with the ceremony.
Legal response
Congress and Critics
Kharge demanded that cases be registered under the untouchability law and that those involved be arrested.
BJP and Its Denial
The articles do not state a separate legal position from the BJP on Kharge’s demand.
- Rally date
- August 8
- Venue
- Ramlila Maidan
- Location
- Haldwani, Uttarakhand
- Alleged organizer
- Shri Ram Sena, according to Ganesh Godiyal
- Political allegation
- Godiyal alleged an association between Shri Ram Sena and the BJP
- BJP response
- The ruling party vehemently denied the charge
- Kharge's demand
- Cases under the untouchability law and arrests of those involved