‘Purification havan’ in Uttarakhand after Kharge’s rally sparks political row

A 'purification' ceremony called 'shuddhikaran havan' took place in Haldwani, Uttarakhand after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge delivered a speech at a rally there. The event has caused controversy, with the Congress alleging that the organisers had ties to the BJP and that the ritual reflected casteist attitudes. In contrast, the ruling party has denied any involvement.

Kharge addressed the issue in the Rajya Sabha, stating that he had never asked anyone to protect him as a Dalit, but the event made him feel humiliated. He called for the guilty to be charged under the Untouchability (Offences) Act. The Congress has described the 'purification' as hurtful and reprehensible, accusing the BJP of promoting hatred and division.

Shri Ram Sena Dharmarth Seva Nyas, the organisation responsible for the 'havan', denies any association with the BJP and RSS. They defended the ceremony, stating it was intended to address hurt Hindu sentiments following Kharge's comments about the RSS and BJP being a "venomous snake". Four Dalits were among those who performed the ceremony.

A state Cabinet Minister from the BJP, Khajan Das, denied any connection to the 'purification' programme, saying Hindu religious events are often held at the Ram Lila ground, but during the Congress rally, slogans of another community were raised, which hurt the Hindu community.