AP Congress condemns alleged ‘purification’ of venues visited by Kharge

Andhra Pradesh Congress leader Y. S. Sharmila vehemently denounced the alleged "purification" of sites previously occupied by the party's national president, Mallikarjun Kharge. Sharmila labeled the act as an affront to Dalit dignity and a manifestation of caste discrimination. In a social media post, she emphasized that discrimination against Dalits, as well as attempts to draw distinctions based on religion, align with the BJP's ideology and political strategy.

Referring to events in Ramlila Maidan and Haldwani, Sharmila alleged that the BJP and Hindutva groups attempted to cleanse these spaces with Gangajal, a ritual purification practice, in an attempt to imply the areas had been tainted by Kharge's presence. She characterized the incident as shameful and an affront to equality, social justice, and constitutional principles.

In response, Sharmila announced that the Congress party will organize mass marches and satyagraha programs throughout Andhra Pradesh on the evening of August 14, 2026, in solidarity with Kharge. The protests, organized by district Congress committees and culminating at statues of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar or Mahatma Gandhi, aim to send a strong message against discrimination and divisive politics.