# Congress election campaign in Uttarakhand

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/congress-election-campaign-in-uttarakhand
> Updated: 2026-08-08T15:16:41.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched an election campaign in Uttarakhand with a rally in Haldwani. During his address, Kharge criticized the central government over the NEET paper leak scandal and high unemployment rates, noting approximately 30 lakh vacant government positions. He challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to a parliamentary debate regarding student protests and accused the BJP of using a "washing machine" approach to absorb corrupt leaders.

The campaign launch was marked by local political tensions in Haldwani and Rudrapur, where Congress leaders staged protests against police administration for allegedly intercepting party workers traveling to the event.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-08: Mallikarjun Kharge launches Uttarakhand election campaign

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched an election campaign in Uttarakhand, challenging the Modi government to debate student protests and NEET paper leaks while criticizing high unemployment.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mallikarjun-kharge-launches-uttarakhand-election-campaign

### 2026-08-08: Mallikarjun Kharge addresses Haldwani rally amid political tensions

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the central government over the NEET paper leak and unemployment during a Haldwani rally, amid protests by Congress leaders over alleged police interference.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mallikarjun-kharge-addresses-haldwani-rally-amid-political-tensions

---
Cite as: Congress election campaign in Uttarakhand. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/congress-election-campaign-in-uttarakhand