Rajya Sabha Chairman Orders Probe into 'Purification' Incident After Kharge Rally

Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radha Krishnan has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into allegations of a site "purification" ritual conducted after a gathering addressed by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. The chairman stated that appropriate action must be taken against those responsible.

What Happened

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge brought the incident to the attention of the Rajya Sabha, alleging that individuals associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) performed a ritualistic purification, referred to as 'havan' and 'shuddikaran', on the stage at Ram Lila Maidan in Haldwani. Kharge stated that he did not mention any religion during his address, focusing instead on public issues. He asserted that such actions are undemocratic and suggested that a case under the Untouchability (Offences) Act should be filed and arrests made.

Key Facts

• Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radha Krishnan ordered an investigation into the alleged site purification.
• Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that BJP members performed a purification ritual at the rally stage in Haldwani, Uttarakhand.
• Kharge stated he did not mention any religion during his speech, focusing on people's problems.
• Kharge called for the accused to be arrested and charged under the Untouchability (Offences) Act.
• Union minister JP Nadda, representing the BJP, condemned the incident and assured an investigation and action.
• The Congress unit in Uttarakhand alleged on Wednesday that people linked to the ruling BJP carried out the ritual.
• The rally took place at Ram Lila Maidan in Haldwani, Uttarakhand.

Background

The BJP is the ruling party in Uttarakhand, a state scheduled to hold elections next year. Mallikarjun Kharge is the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. He emphasized that he has been a member of the House for years and has never sought protection based on his identity as a Scheduled Caste or Dalit. Kharge stated his capability to fight challenges independently.

Response

Amid protests from the Opposition, Union Minister JP Nadda condemned the incident, stating that the BJP does not support such activities and found the event regrettable. He assured the House that an investigation would be conducted and action taken. Chairman Krishnan remarked that an insult to Kharge was an insult to all members and that no one needs repeated purification, before directing the government to proceed with the inquiry and punishment.