‘No space for Dalits in this country’: Kharge condemns ‘shuddhikaran havan’ in Haldwani

New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday condemned the ‘shuddhikaran havan’ performed at Haldwani’s Ramlila Maidan following his rally, alleging that the incident reflected discrimination against Dalits and efforts to divide Hindu society.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Kharge, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, said, “We have been saying all along that there is no space for Dalits in this country. People are being divided in the name of religion. What was the need for a havan there? Ramlila Maidan is a venue for public meetings and is used by all political parties. What they did was, first, against the spirit of Hindu religion itself, and second, an attempt to divide the country and create conflict among castes. This is an example of that, and I strongly condemn it.”

The controversy erupted after a purification ritual was reportedly conducted at the venue following Kharge’s public meeting in Haldwani.

Uttarakhand Congress chief Ganesh Godiyal alleged that the group Shri Ram Sena, which organised the ‘shuddhikaran havan’ ceremony, was linked to the BJP. The ruling party, however, strongly denied the allegation.

Godiyal claimed that the ritual was performed because Kharge belongs to the Dalit community. He accused the BJP of promoting social divisions on the basis of caste and described the incident as a crime against humanity.

The state Congress chief further said that the episode highlighted what he called a fundamental ideological difference between the Congress and the BJP. He also questioned the role of the Nainital Senior Superintendent of Police and asked why action had not been taken against those responsible for organising the ritual.

The BJP rejected all allegations of any association with the group and accused the Congress of attempting to malign the party for political purposes.

BJP state spokesperson and Cabinet Minister Khajan Das claimed that certain slogans raised during Kharge’s rally had hurt the sentiments of members of the Sanatan community. He said the Ramlila Ground holds religious significance and alleged that some people were offended by slogans related to another religion being raised at the venue.

The BJP also dismissed the Congress’ claim that the incident was linked to Kharge’s caste, with Das accusing the Congress of disrespecting Dalit leaders such as Sitaram Kesri, Babu Jagjivan Ram, and Dr B.R. Ambedkar.

IANS