Congress Stages Protest in Kalaburagi Over Alleged Haldwani Venue Purification Ritual
Members of the Kalaburagi District Congress Committee held a protest demonstration on Sunday to condemn an alleged ‘purification’ ritual conducted at a public ground in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, following a rally addressed by Congress president and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge.
What Happened
The controversy stems from an incident reported after Mallikarjun Kharge, a Dalit leader, held a public meeting on August 8 at the Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. A ritual was reportedly conducted at the venue following his rally, triggering widespread political criticism.
Mr. Kharge subsequently raised the matter in the Rajya Sabha, describing the act as an example of persistent untouchability and caste-based discrimination, both of which are outlawed by the Constitution. Following the uproar in the House, the government assured the Rajya Sabha that it would look into the allegation.
In Kalaburagi, Congress workers took to the streets, initiating a march from the party’s district office located off Sedam Road. The demonstration concluded near Annapurna Cross. During the march, participants set tyres on fire and voiced slogans against the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, and what they termed casteist and communal tendencies.
Key Highlights
- Protest Location: The demonstration marched from the Congress district office off Sedam Road to Annapurna Cross in Kalaburagi.
- Triggering Incident: A reported purification ritual held at Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani after Mr. Kharge’s August 8 rally.
- Parliamentary Action: Mallikarjun Kharge raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha, leading to a government commitment to examine the allegation.
- Prominent Participants: Key leaders in attendance included District Congress Committee president and MLC Jagdev Guttedar, MLA Allamaprabhu Patil, MLC Tippannappa Kamaknoor, Kalaburagi North MLA Kaneez Fatima, KUDA chairman Mazhar Alam Khan, and former Minister Revu Naik Belamagi, along with hundreds of party workers.
- Slogans Displayed: Placards carried messages highlighting equality, the Constitution, and questioning the persistence of casteism after decades of independence.
Why This Matters
The protest brings regional attention to the discussions raised inside Parliament regarding caste discrimination and untouchability. By taking the issue to the streets, party leaders sought to highlight constitutional guarantees of equality and publicly condemn practices associated with caste-based bias.
What to Watch Next
Attention remains on the central government’s stated assurance in the Rajya Sabha to look into the allegations surrounding the Haldwani venue ritual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Congress workers hold a protest in Kalaburagi?
The protest was organised to oppose an alleged purification ceremony performed at the Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a rally there.
What did Mallikarjun Kharge say about the incident?
Mr. Kharge stated in the Rajya Sabha that such rituals reflect the ongoing presence of caste discrimination and untouchability, which are strictly prohibited under the Constitution.
What response was provided by the government?
The government informed the Rajya Sabha that the allegation concerning the ritual would be looked into.
Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.