New Delhi, 13 August (H.S.):

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday condemned the alleged purification ritual held at a venue in Haldwani following his rally, saying such acts are not in the country’s interest and could contribute to social division. He called for a case to be registered against those involved and for appropriate legal action to be taken.

Speaking to reporters in the Parliament complex on Wednesday, Kharge said the incident in Haldwani was not good for the country and had the potential to create divisions among people.

Kharge had earlier raised the matter in the Rajya Sabha, stating that he had addressed a gathering at the Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani and had not referred to any particular religion or community during his speech. He said he had only highlighted the problems faced by the people.

The Congress president alleged that after he left the rally venue, members associated with the BJP conducted a purification ritual at the site. He described the act as condemnable and said those responsible should face legal consequences.

The controversy began after Kharge addressed the Congress's Vijay Shankhnaad Rally at Haldwani’s Ramlila Maidan on August 8. Two days later, on August 10, a havan and puja, described as a purification ceremony, was organised at the same venue by the Shri Ram Sena Dharmarth Seva Nyas.

Photographs and videos of the ceremony subsequently emerged, triggering a political controversy and drawing criticism from Congress leaders.

Kharge said such incidents should not be allowed to become a means of creating divisions in society and urged the authorities to take appropriate action against those responsible.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar