Haldwani: A political controversy in Uttarakhand's Haldwani has taken a fresh turn after an FIR was registered against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on the alleged “purification ritual” conducted after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's visit.
The FIR was filed following a complaint by a member of the Valmiki community, who accused Rahul Gandhi of giving a caste-based interpretation to the ritual and hurting community sentiments.
Police said the case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to promoting enmity between groups and deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings. Provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have also been included.
Complaint Accuses Rahul Gandhi of Caste Angle
The complaint was filed by Amit Kumar, a resident of Jawahar Nagar and a member of Shri Ram Sena Dharmarth Seva Nyas.
According to the complaint, Kumar was present during the ritual and cleanliness drive held at the venue. He alleged that Rahul Gandhi's remarks during a press conference in Delhi on August 29 hurt the sentiments of the Valmiki community.
The complainant claimed that Gandhi portrayed those involved in the ritual as practicing “untouchability” and being against Dalits.
What Triggered the Haldwani Controversy?
The controversy began after some people allegedly performed a “purification yajna” at Ramlila Ground in Haldwani on August 11, following a public meeting held by Mallikarjun Kharge at the same venue on August 8.
The Congress strongly criticized the ritual, calling it a reflection of a discriminatory mindset, and demanded legal action against those responsible.
Rahul Gandhi had also targeted the incident and demanded registration of an FIR against those who conducted the ritual under provisions of the SC/ST Act.
BJP-Congress Clash Over Ritual
The BJP defended the action, stating that the ritual was not linked to Mallikarjun Kharge's caste and claimed that the venue was left dirty after the Congress programme.
The party also alleged that some slogans raised during the event were inappropriate for a religious place.
The Congress, however, maintained that the incident was an insult to Dalit communities and accused the BJP of promoting divisive politics.
Fresh Political Battle After FIR
The FIR against Rahul Gandhi has intensified the political confrontation between the BJP and Congress. Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other senior party figures, had earlier supported Rahul Gandhi's demand for action over the incident.
The case has now added a new dimension to the ongoing debate over caste, religion and political statements in Uttarakhand.