Kalaburagi, August 16: Congress leaders and party workers staged a massive protest in Kalaburagi on Monday, condemning the alleged‘shuddhikaran’(purification ritual) performed at a venue in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, after a public rally addressed by AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge.

The controversy stems from allegations that a purification ritual was conducted at the Ramlila Maidan stage in Haldwani after Kharge addressed a Congress rally there on August 8 as part of the party’s preparations for the 2027 Uttarakhand Assembly elections.

The issue triggered a political storm in Parliament on Thursday, with Kharge raising the matter in the Rajya Sabha.

Addressing the House, the Congress President said his speech in Haldwani had focused solely on public grievances and had not targeted any community or religion. He alleged that, following the rally, “people associated with the BJP” carried out a purification ritual at the venue.

“You may have read about this in the newspapers. Is this the way things should happen in a democracy? How are you protecting the Constitution?” Kharge asked.

Responding to the allegations, Leader of the House and BJP President JP Nadda condemned the alleged incident and asserted that the BJP does not endorse or subscribe to such practices. He also assured the House that the matter would be investigated.

“What Kharge ji has said is truly a matter of concern—not just for the Congress party, but for all of us. Kharge ji has said that those who did this were BJP people. I want to make it absolutely clear that the BJP does not subscribe to such activities,” Nadda said.

“Since you have raised the issue, we will have it investigated. But let me reiterate that the BJP does not support or endorse such activities. It is a matter of regret for all of us,” he added.

Kharge later clarified that he did not wish to turn the incident into a political issue. He said he had never sought sympathy or support by invoking his caste identity but strongly objected to any act of untouchability or discrimination.

“I do not want to turn this into a political issue. I have been in this House for many years, but I have never stood before anyone and pleaded for help by saying that I am an SC or a Dalit. I have the strength to fight, and I fight. But when you practise untouchability against me, you insult and humiliate me,” Kharge said.

Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President CP Radhakrishnan also intervened in the matter, stating that all members of the House condemned untouchability. He called for a thorough investigation and urged strict action against those responsible if the allegations were found to be true.

The controversy has since sparked protests by Congress workers, with party leaders in Kalaburagi accusing those behind the alleged ritual of insulting Kharge and violating the principles of equality and dignity enshrined in the Constitution.