New Delhi, 03 September (H.S.): Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge has expressed displeasure over the alleged ‘purification’ of the venue where his public meeting was held in Haldwani and the failure to register an FIR even 24 days after the incident.

Kharge has written to Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha Jagat Prakash Nadda, urging him to direct the Uttarakhand government to immediately register an FIR against the individuals and organisations allegedly involved in the incident and ensure strict action against those responsible.

In his letter to Nadda on Wednesday, Kharge referred to the discussion that took place in the Rajya Sabha on August 13. He said that following his public meeting at the Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani on August 8, 2026, some organisations allegedly carried out what was described as a ‘purification’ ritual based on untouchability at the venue.

At the time, Nadda had described the incident as extremely unfortunate on the floor of the House and assured members that an inquiry would be conducted and strict action would be taken against those responsible. The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha had also expressed regret over the incident.

Referring to Nadda’s assurance in the House, Kharge said that despite such a clear commitment, the Haldwani police and administration had still not registered an FIR. He described the delay as disappointing and surprising and urged Nadda to issue necessary directions to the Uttarakhand government in accordance with the assurance given in Parliament.

The Congress president said that carrying out an alleged purification of the Ramlila Maidan following his public meeting was contrary to the fundamental spirit of the Indian Constitution and basic human values. He linked the incident to untouchability and a casteist mindset.

Drawing a historical parallel, Kharge referred to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Mahad Satyagraha, saying that even after Ambedkar and his followers drank water from the public tank during the movement, people driven by caste arrogance had carried out a so-called purification using cow urine, cow dung and chanting of mantras.

Kharge said that merely reciting mantras or performing a havan cannot sanctify a caste-based practice. He stressed that the issue was not limited to his personal dignity or his position as Congress president, but concerned the sentiments of millions of marginalised people across the country who continue to confront such social realities.

Kharge urged Nadda to issue clear directions to the Uttarakhand government in accordance with the assurance given in the Rajya Sabha and ensure that legal action is initiated without further delay against the organisations and individuals responsible for the alleged incident in Haldwani.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar