Archive · 29 Aug 2026
BJP, Congress Clash Over Haldwani Rally Venue Purification Claims
A political argument began over a ceremony called “shuddhikaran,” or purification.
The ceremony was reportedly held at a Haldwani ground after a Congress meeting.
Congress leaders said the event was connected to the BJP and reflected untouchability toward Dalits.
Rahul Gandhi called it a crime and asked for a police case.
The BJP denied that its workers organized the ceremony.
BJP leaders said the ritual happened because of slogans used at the Congress meeting.
They also said that some Dalits took part in it.
The two parties therefore gave very different explanations of what happened.
The BJP accused Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi of making false claims about a purification ritual at a Haldwani rally venue.
The alleged “shuddhikaran” took place at Ramlila Maidan after Kharge addressed a gathering there on August 8.
Uttarakhand Congress chief Ganesh Godiyal alleged that Shri Ram Sena conducted the ceremony and was associated with the BJP.
The BJP denied involvement, saying the ritual followed slogans raised during the Congress meeting and included some Dalits.
Rahul Gandhi called the incident a crime and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to order an FIR, while BJP leaders cited government welfare and constitutional safeguards for Dalits.
- Who
- Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Ganesh Godiyal, and BJP leaders including Ravi Shankar Prasad, B L Santhosh, Gourav Vallabh and Arjun Ram Meghwal commented on the dispute.
- What
- A political dispute arose over an alleged “shuddhikaran” ceremony at a venue used for a Congress rally.
- When
- The rally was held on August 8; the political responses described in the reports were made on Saturday, August 29.
- Where
- The alleged ceremony took place at Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani, Uttarakhand; some BJP responses were made in New Delhi and Patna.
- Why
- Congress portrayed the ceremony as evidence of anti-Dalit prejudice and demanded an investigation, while the BJP denied responsibility and attributed it to slogans raised during the Congress meeting.
Congress Allegations
BJP Response
Responsibility for the ceremony
Congress Allegations
Ganesh Godiyal alleged that Shri Ram Sena conducted the purification ceremony and was associated with the BJP.
BJP Response
BJP leaders said BJP workers were not involved, denied responsibility and distanced the party from the ceremony.
Meaning of the incident
Congress Allegations
Rahul Gandhi said the incident showed a BJP-RSS mindset opposed to Dalits progressing, living with dignity and succeeding, and called it a crime under the Constitution.
BJP Response
The BJP said the Modi and Yogi Adityanath governments respect Dalits, provide constitutional reservation safeguards and support development schemes.
Reason for the ritual
Congress Allegations
Congress treated the alleged ceremony as an incident requiring investigation and demanded an FIR.
BJP Response
B L Santhosh said the ceremony followed slogans raised during the Congress meeting and that some Dalits participated; other BJP leaders accused Congress of trying to create caste tensions for political gain.
- Rally date
- August 8
- Venue
- Ramlila Maidan, Haldwani, Uttarakhand
- Alleged event
- A “shuddhikaran,” or purification, ceremony
- Congress allegation
- Ganesh Godiyal alleged that Shri Ram Sena performed the ceremony and was associated with the BJP.
- BJP position
- BJP leaders denied involvement and called the Congress claims false or irrational.
- BJP explanation
- B L Santhosh said the ritual followed slogans raised during the Congress meeting and involved some Dalits.
- Rahul Gandhi’s demand
- He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to direct the registration of an FIR.
