Kharge ‘hurt’ over Congress leaders’ silence on Haldwani ‘purification’ row

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday expressed his anguish at a session of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), saying he was "hurt" that a number of members, particularly those who frequently obtain media space, did not openly condemn the 'purification' ritual held.

Key points

• 'Purification' ritual at Kharge rally venue sparks caste bias row in UttarakhandBSP chief Mayawati slams 'purification' of Kharge speech site in Haldwani.
• Kharge had additionally raised the problem in the Rajya Sabha, saying the incident created him feel humiliated and brought back the sting of untouchability.
• Kharge had demanded registration of a case under the Untouchability Act against those involved in the ritual and their arrest.
• Briefing reporters after the session, Venugopal stated the Haldwani incident was "unacceptable" and "condemnable", and alleged that it reflected the mindset of the BJP.
• Kharge was referring to the 'shuddhikaran havan' organised in Haldwani after his visit a few days ago.

Kharge was referring to the 'shuddhikaran havan' organised in Haldwani after his visit a few days ago. The Congress has alleged that those behind the ritual were linked to the BJP and remarked it reflected a casteist mindset. The BJP has distanced itself from the event.

"I do not want to turn this into a political matter. I have never informed anyone that I am Dalit – protect me – nor have I begged in front of anyone. I have the strength to fight, and I do fight. But in Haldwani, the purification of the stage created me feel the sting of untouchability and humiliated me, " he had stated.

Responding to him in the Rajya Sabha, Union minister J P Nadda termed the incident unfortunate, remarked no BJP member was involved and assured that an inquiry would be conducted.

At the CWC session, Kharge stated he was particularly disappointed that some of the "good-looking people" who obtain considerable media space had not spoken out on the problem, according to leaders present.

AICC general secretary K C Venugopal informed him that the party had raised and condemned the problem. Nevertheless, Kharge's body language suggested that he remained unconvinced, the leaders stated.

According to Kharge did not name any leader but additionally, some party leaders were prone to making comments and writing articles that were not in line with the Congress's position.

For now, kharge 'hurt' over Congress leaders' silence on Haldwani 'purification' row remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.