New Delhi/Dehradun, August 30: A political confrontation has intensified between the Congress and BJP over an alleged “purification” ritual at the Ramlila Ground in Haldwani following a rally addressed by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has demanded that an FIR be registered against those responsible, alleging that the incident amounted to untouchability and discrimination against Dalits. Gandhi has also targeted the BJP and RSS over the controversy and called for action under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The BJP has rejected the Congress’s allegations and denied that the party or RSS had any role in the reported activity. BJP leaders have argued that the Congress is attempting to give the incident a political and caste angle, while Uttarakhand BJP leaders have disputed Gandhi’s interpretation of the episode.
The dispute has now become a wider political battle, with both parties using the controversy to attack each other’s positions on caste, social equality and political representation.
Why it matters:
The controversy comes as both national parties seek to consolidate support among Dalit voters and could become an important issue in upcoming political campaigns.