Now Reading: Rajya Sabha orders probe into Kharge stage ‘purification’ claim
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Rajya Sabha orders probe into Kharge stage ‘purification’ claim
Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan has ordered a government investigation after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that people linked to the BJP performed a 'purification' ritual at a Haldwani venue after his…
The Story in Brief
Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan has ordered a government investigation after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that people linked to the BJP performed a 'purification' ritual at a Haldwani venue after his August 8 rally. Kharge, a Dalit leader, said a havan and shuddhikaran were conducted on the stage where he spoke, calling it an insult under the Untouchability (Offences) Act. Leader of the House J.P. Nadda called the incident regrettable, denied BJP involvement, and assured a probe. The Chairman said any insult to the Leader of the Opposition is an insult to the House.
Kharge demanded that those responsible be arrested, stressing that his speech had no religious reference. The Uttarakhand Congress first made the allegation. Nadda objected to Kharge's use of the phrase 'you people' during the exchange. The government has not yet named any suspects.
The Indian Opinion
The row exposes how caste prejudice can resurface even in political spaces. Congress calls it proof of the BJP's anti-Dalit mindset; the BJP denies any role but condemns the act. The real test will be the government investigation, whether it identifies and prosecutes the actual perpetrators, not just condemns in the House. Until then, the incident risks becoming another partisan clash rather than a reckoning with untouchability.
Sources (3): news.abplive.com, newindianexpress.com, newindianexpress.com (2)
This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 3 sources.
