Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge alleges BJP workers ‘purified’ Uttarakhand ground where he spoke

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday alleged in the Rajya Sabha that persons associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party had performed a ritual to purify the ground in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani where he addressed a rally on August 8.

Kharge, the leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, said that he had never sought any help or protection because he belonged to a Scheduled Caste community.

“But you treat me as untouchable, perform purification and insult me,” he added. “Is this what should be done in a democracy? How are you protecting the Constitution?”

He demanded that those who had performed the ritual should be arrested.

Responding to him, Union minister JP Nadda said that the BJP “does not subscribe to such activities”.

“This is sad, not just for the Congress, but for all of us,” said Nadda. “We will investigate this. I condemn this.”

The former national president of the BJP added: “It is a matter of great regret for all of us that your sentiments were hurt.”

The purification ritual in Haldwani was performed by a group named Shri Ram Sena, reported The Hindu. The Congress’ Uttarakhand unit had alleged that the group is associated with the BJP.

However, the Hindutva party has denied association with the group and claimed that slogans shouted at Kharge’s rally had offended those who...

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