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Politics
BJP, RSS Criticised; FIR Demanded Under SC/ST Act in Uttarakhand Ritual Row
✍️ India Today
🗓 29 Aug 2026, 09:03 PM
👁 4
BJP and RSS have come under fire over a purification ritual controversy in Uttarakhand, with calls for a FIR under the SC/ST Act.
A controversy over a purification ritual in Uttarakhand has sparked criticism of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological partner, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Political observers and tribal activists say the ritual violated provisions meant to protect Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Several leaders have publicly condemned the parties, arguing that the incident reflects a broader pattern of insensitivity toward marginalized communities. They have urged the state police to register a First Information Report (FIR) under the SC/ST Act, which criminalises acts that demean or discriminate against these groups.
The demand for an FIR adds legal pressure on the state administration, which has so far not disclosed any official investigation. The issue is expected to dominate local political discourse ahead of upcoming elections, with opposition parties likely to use it to question the BJP‑RSS alliance's commitment to social justice.
Authorities have not yet responded to the calls for action, and the matter remains under public scrutiny as civil society groups continue to monitor developments.
Several leaders have publicly condemned the parties, arguing that the incident reflects a broader pattern of insensitivity toward marginalized communities. They have urged the state police to register a First Information Report (FIR) under the SC/ST Act, which criminalises acts that demean or discriminate against these groups.
The demand for an FIR adds legal pressure on the state administration, which has so far not disclosed any official investigation. The issue is expected to dominate local political discourse ahead of upcoming elections, with opposition parties likely to use it to question the BJP‑RSS alliance's commitment to social justice.
Authorities have not yet responded to the calls for action, and the matter remains under public scrutiny as civil society groups continue to monitor developments.