Andhra Pradesh Congress Protests Alleged Caste-Based 'Purification' Incidents

Andhra Pradesh Congress president Y. S. Sharmila on Thursday voiced strong condemnation of alleged ritualistic purification of sites visited by national party president Mallikarjun Kharge. Sharmila characterized these actions as an affront to Dalit dignity and a clear manifestation of caste discrimination.

Sharmila stated on the social media platform X that the Bharatiya Janata Party's ideology and political strategy involve discrimination against Dalits, promotion of caste divisions, and attempts to sow religious discord. She cited an incident at Ramlila Maidan, where she reported the place where Kharge had stood was purified, as an example of untouchability and social inequality.

Further allegations included a similar purification with 'Gangajal' at a rally venue in Haldwani, which the Congress attributed to the BJP and Hindutva organizations. Sharmila suggested these acts were intended to imply that Kharge's presence had rendered the locations impure. She deemed the actions 'shameful' and an assault on equality, social justice, and constitutional principles.

In response, the Congress party announced plans for mass marches and Satyagraha programs across all districts in Andhra Pradesh on the evening of August 14, 2026. These protests, to be led by District Congress Committees, will conclude at statues of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar or Mahatma Gandhi. The party is urging widespread participation to convey a strong message against discrimination and divisive political tactics.