# Controversy over ritual at Congress rally in Uttarakhand > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/controversy-over-ritual-at-congress-rally-in-uttarakhand > Updated: 2026-08-20T02:30:15.000Z. Sources: 31. Developments: 3. A political controversy emerged in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, following a ‘purification’ ritual performed at the Ramlila Maidan stage after a Congress party rally on August 8. Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress National President and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, raised the issue in Parliament, stating that the ceremony made him feel the “sting of untouchability” due to his Dalit background. Kharge alleged that individuals associated with the BJP conducted the ‘shuddhikaran’ (purification) ceremony on the stage he used and demanded legal action under the Untouchability Act. The Shri Ram Sena Dharmarth Seva Nyas, the group reportedly responsible for the ritual, claimed the ceremony was necessary because slogans supporting Islam were allegedly raised during the rally. In response, Union Minister JP Nadda described the incident as regrettable and promised a full investigation, stating the BJP does not endorse such activities. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami denied any BJP involvement, characterizing the act as a protest by independent organizations and accusing the Congress party of using a “Dalit angle” for political gain. The incident drew widespread condemnation from leaders like Akhilesh Yadav and D. K. Shivakumar, who described it as a manifestation of caste-based discrimination. During a recent Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, Kharge expressed personal distress over a perceived lack of support from within his own party regarding the Haldwani incident. He criticized certain leaders for their silence and noted that some members have issued statements or written articles that deviate from the official party line. The CWC subsequently passed a resolution condemning the incident and demanding an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. General Secretary K.C. Venugopal characterized the episode as a reflection of a discriminatory mindset. ## Claims - People associated with the BJP performed a purification ritual on the stage after his speech in Haldwani. (disputed by 9 sources) - Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami denied BJP involvement, accusing Congress of using a 'Dalit angle' for political gain. (disputed by 2 sources) - Kharge stated he did not mention any specific religion or caste during his speech at the rally. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The purification ritual made him feel the sting of untouchability and was an insult to his Dalit identity. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The BJP does not support or endorse such purification activities. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The government will conduct an investigation into the incident. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The Uttarakhand Congress president alleged the group has links to the BJP and the act promotes caste division. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The purification ritual was reportedly carried out by members of the Shri Ram Sena organization. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The group performed the ritual because they alleged slogans supporting Islam were raised during the rally. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Mallikarjun Kharge demanded legal action and arrests under the Untouchability Act. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Samajwadi Party chief described the incident as a form of social discrimination against Dalits. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-20: Mallikarjun Kharge criticizes Congress leaders over Haldwani ritual silence Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed frustration at senior leaders for their silence regarding a controversial ‘purification’ ritual held in Haldwani following his recent public address. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mallikarjun-kharge-criticizes-party-silence-on-haldwani-controversy ### 2026-08-13: DK Shivakumar condemns site purification after Mallikarjun Kharge rally Karnataka CM D. K. Shivakumar condemned the ‘purification’ of a site in Haldwani used by Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, calling it a shameful act of caste discrimination and an insult to the Constitution. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dk-shivakumar-condemns-site-purification-after-mallikarjun-kharge-rally ### 2026-08-13: Mallikarjun Kharge alleges caste discrimination after Haldwani rally purification ritual Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has alleged caste discrimination after a ‘purification’ ritual was performed at his rally venue in Haldwani. The BJP denies involvement and has promised an investigation. 22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mallikarjun-kharge-alleges-purification-ritual-at-haldwani-rally --- Cite as: Controversy over ritual at Congress rally in Uttarakhand. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/controversy-over-ritual-at-congress-rally-in-uttarakhand