Haldwani: An FIR has been registered against Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani following a complaint alleging that his remarks about a controversial “purification” ritual gave the incident a caste-based angle.
The complaint was filed by Amit Kumar, who identified himself as a member of the Valmiki community and an office-bearer associated with the Shri Ram Sena Dharmarth Seva Nyas. Police have registered the case under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
What Is the Controversy?
The dispute began after a “purification yajna” was reportedly conducted at Haldwani’s Ramlila Ground on August 11, three days after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a public meeting at the venue.
The Congress alleged that the ritual was linked to Kharge’s caste and described it as an act of discrimination against a Dalit leader.
The BJP and organisers, however, rejected the caste-related interpretation. They said the ritual was connected to cleanliness at the venue after the political gathering and alleged that the ground had been left littered.
What Did Rahul Gandhi Say?
Rahul Gandhi raised the issue at a press conference in New Delhi on August 29. He criticised the alleged purification ceremony and demanded that an FIR be registered under the SC/ST Act against those responsible.
According to the complaint, the Congress leader’s comments portrayed those involved in the ritual as practising untouchability and being anti-Dalit. The complainant said the remarks hurt the sentiments of members of his community.
The complaint further claimed that people from different sections of society, including members of Scheduled Caste communities, had participated in the ritual and that it had no connection with Kharge’s caste.
Congress and BJP Take Opposing Positions
The controversy has triggered a political confrontation between the Congress and BJP.
Congress leaders have described the incident as evidence of an anti-Dalit mindset and demanded action against those responsible for the alleged purification ritual. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also called for an FIR against those who conducted the ceremony.
The BJP, meanwhile, has defended the ritual and rejected the allegation that it was connected to Kharge’s caste, maintaining that the exercise was related to cleanliness and religious concerns.
With an FIR now registered against Rahul Gandhi, the controversy has taken a legal turn, while the political debate over the alleged ritual and its interpretation continues.
