Mallikarjun Kharge addresses Haldwani rally amid political tensions

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a public rally in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, where he criticized the central government regarding the NEET paper leak scandal and unemployment. Kharge challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to hold a parliamentary debate on student protests, alleging that the government uses repressive tactics against students demanding accountability.

Kharge also addressed economic issues, noting that approximately 30 lakh government positions remain vacant. He accused the BJP of using a "washing machine" to absorb corrupt leaders into its ranks and emphasized the Congress party's commitment to defending the constitution and the rights of students, women, and the poor.

Prior to the rally, political tensions escalated in Haldwani. Congress leaders, including State President Ganesh Godiyal and Leader of Opposition Yashpal Arya, staged a protest at the SSP office. They accused the police administration of intercepting buses carrying party workers to prevent them from attending the event. Similar confrontations were reported in Rudrapur, where former MLA Rajkumar Thukral engaged in a heated argument with police officers during vehicle inspections.