Expressing deep anguish over the alleged purification ritual conducted following his political rally in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, Congress President and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, has addressed a formal letter to Union Minister JP Nadda. In his communication, Kharge highlighted with grave concern that despite nearly 24 days having passed since the incident took place on August 8, law enforcement authorities have failed to lodge a First Information Report (FIR) against the organizations or individuals involved.
Lack of Legal Progress Despite Parliamentary Assurances
Recalling the proceedings of the upper house, Kharge reminded the Union Minister of the intervention made in Parliament on August 13. During that session, the Congress chief had raised the matter with profound pain, pointing out that carrying out a purification procedure at a venue where he addressed a public gathering directly reflects discriminatory practices rooted in untouchability. He emphasized that such actions blatantly violate constitutional principles and human dignity, making swift legal intervention imperative.
In his letter, Kharge specifically cited the stance taken by JP Nadda on the floor of the house. Responding to the issue in the Rajya Sabha, Nadda had acknowledged the severity of the matter, stating, "What Mallikarjun Kharge has stated is indeed a deeply painful matter." The Union Minister had assured the house that the ruling party does not support such divisive acts and promised a thorough investigation followed by strict action against those found responsible. However, Kharge noted with disappointment that 24 days later, no concrete legal steps have been initiated in Haldwani.
Citing Historical Precedents of Social Discrimination
Drawing a historical parallel to illustrate the persistent nature of caste prejudice, Kharge referred to the historic Mahad movement led by Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. He recounted how, after Ambedkar symbolically drank water from a public tank, individuals driven by caste pride subjected the water body to a purification process using 108 pots of cow dung and cow urine accompanied by sacred chants. Kharge noted that repeating similar purification rituals in contemporary times demonstrates a troubling continuation of archaic mindsets that must be firmly countered.
Critiquing the symbolic justification of such acts, the Congress leader stressed, "Merely chanting mantras or performing a havan does not render a casteist purification process sacred." He affirmed that his grievance represents not merely personal outrage, but the collective pain of millions of citizens who encounter social prejudice in their daily lives. Allowing such acts to go unpunished at a prominent public location like the Ramlila Ground undermines the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
Call for Directives to Uttarakhand Chief Minister
Concluding his correspondence, Mallikarjun Kharge urged Union Minister JP Nadda to honor the commitments made on the floor of the Rajya Sabha. He requested Nadda to issue explicit directions to the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, ensuring that local police authorities register an FIR against the organizations and individuals implicated in the Haldwani purification event. Kharge reiterated that prompt legal accountability is essential to uphold the rule of law and send a clear message against practices linked to social untouchability.
