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Politics
Congress accuses BJP of ‘purification’ at Haldwani rally, Rahul Gandhi seeks FIR
✍️ TOI India
🗓 30 Aug 2026, 03:37 AM
👁 3
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has demanded a police FIR over alleged caste‑based purification of a rally venue in Haldwani, while the BJP rejected the claim, citing video evidence and the organizers’ statements.
The controversy erupted in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, after reports surfaced that the venue for a political rally had been subjected to a "purification" process. Congress officials alleged that the cleaning was intended to remove perceived untouchability, a charge that quickly drew national attention.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi publicly called for a First Information Report, asserting that the alleged act violated constitutional safeguards against caste discrimination. He linked the incident to broader concerns about caste-based segregation in public gatherings.
The Bharatiya Janata Party responded by releasing video footage from the event organizers, showing that the cleaning was part of routine preparations for a cultural program. Party spokespeople also questioned why the issue was being raised only after a delay, suggesting a political motive.
Organizers of the rally clarified that a hawan ceremony was performed after the venue was cleaned for the upcoming Ramlila festivities, and they denied any direct involvement of the BJP in the cleaning operation.
Both parties have since exchanged accusations, with Congress highlighting past instances of caste bias and the BJP urging a focus on factual evidence rather than speculation.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi publicly called for a First Information Report, asserting that the alleged act violated constitutional safeguards against caste discrimination. He linked the incident to broader concerns about caste-based segregation in public gatherings.
The Bharatiya Janata Party responded by releasing video footage from the event organizers, showing that the cleaning was part of routine preparations for a cultural program. Party spokespeople also questioned why the issue was being raised only after a delay, suggesting a political motive.
Organizers of the rally clarified that a hawan ceremony was performed after the venue was cleaned for the upcoming Ramlila festivities, and they denied any direct involvement of the BJP in the cleaning operation.
Both parties have since exchanged accusations, with Congress highlighting past instances of caste bias and the BJP urging a focus on factual evidence rather than speculation.