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Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan on Thursday directed the government to conduct a detailed investigation into an alleged "purification" ritual at a Haldwani venue where Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had recently addressed a public meeting. The issue was raised by Kharge in the Upper House, where he alleged that people associated with the BJP conducted a havan and "shuddikaran" at the stage of Ram Lila Maidan after his address. The Chairman condemned the alleged act and called for those found responsible to face action.

Kharge Raises 'Shuddikaran' Issue In House

Kharge told the Rajya Sabha that his speech at the Haldwani gathering had not contained any reference to religion. He said he had spoken about the problems confronting ordinary people and questioned why the venue was allegedly subjected to a purification ritual afterwards. He said, "…but some BJP people conducted a havan at the stage and shuddikaran [purification]…is this the way in a democracy… I am the leader of the Opposition [in Rajya Sabha]."

Kharge said he did not want the incident to become a political controversy but argued that those responsible should face legal action. He called for a case to be registered under the Untouchability (Offences) Act and sought the arrest of the alleged offenders.

He also stressed that untouchability is prohibited by law and cannot be justified in any form. Kharge said that despite his long tenure in Parliament, he had never used his Scheduled Caste or Dalit identity to seek special protection, maintaining that he could defend himself.

Nadda Assures House Of Investigation

The allegations triggered protests and counter-protests among members of the Treasury and Opposition benches.

Leader of the House and Union Minister J.P. Nadda said the incident, if it occurred as alleged, was regrettable and assured members that the government would have it investigated.

Nadda also maintained that the BJP did not support such conduct. While assuring the House that appropriate action would follow the inquiry, he objected to Kharge's use of the expression "you people" during his remarks.

Chairman Says Insult To Kharge Is Insult To House

Chairman Radhakrishnan strongly condemned the alleged incident and said any insult directed at the Leader of the Opposition should be viewed as an affront to the entire House.

Radhakrishnan subsequently directed the government to conduct a thorough investigation and take action against anyone found guilty.

His intervention brought the focus back to the constitutional and legal prohibition on untouchability, rather than allowing the dispute to remain solely a political exchange between the government and Opposition.

Uttarakhand Congress Had Raised Allegation Earlier

The controversy began a day earlier when the Uttarakhand Congress alleged that people linked to the BJP had carried out the ritual at the stage of the Ramlila Maidan after Kharge's public meeting.

The state Congress unit's allegation subsequently spilled into the Rajya Sabha, where members from opposing sides raised slogans during the proceedings.

Kharge reiterated that he had not referred to any religion or community during his speech and questioned the alleged decision to conduct a "purification" ceremony at the same venue afterwards.

He also confirmed that his public meeting had been held at Haldwani's Ramlila Maidan.

When the Chairman sought a response from Nadda, the Union minister repeated his assurance that the allegations would be examined. Radhakrishnan then reiterated his condemnation and directed that the matter be investigated thoroughly.