Haldwani ‘Shuddhikaran’ Row: Mallikarjun Kharge Raises Issue in Rajya Sabha, BJP Condemns Ritual (Videos)

Congress president and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday raised the alleged “Shuddhikaran” of a ground in Haldwani following his recent public meeting, saying the incident raised questions about democratic and constitutional values. The issue triggered a political exchange in the Rajya Sabha, with Union minister and Leader of the House JP Nadda condemning the reported ritual and saying the BJP does not support such practices, according to a report.

Mallikarjun Kharge Raises Haldwani Incident in Rajya Sabha

Kharge said he had addressed a public meeting at the Ram Lila Ground in Haldwani on August 8, where he spoke about government-related issues without referring to any particular community or religion. According to Kharge, a havan was subsequently conducted at the venue by people associated with the BJP to “purify” the stage used for his address. He questioned whether such an action was consistent with democratic principles and the Constitution. Narendra Modi-Mallikarjun Kharge ‘Aap Badal Gaye’ Viral Video Is Old, Not From Supriya Sule’s Daughter’s August 10 Reception.

Mallikarjun Kharge Raises 'Shuddhikaran' Issue in Rajya Sabha

BJP Leader JP Nadda Condemns Ritual

Kharge also said the incident made him feel that he was being treated as an “untouchable”, linking the episode to concerns over dignity and equality in public life.

JP Nadda Condemns Reported Ritual

Responding in the Rajya Sabha, JP Nadda said the incident was regrettable and made clear that the BJP does not subscribe to such activities. Nadda said the matter would be investigated and assured Kharge that the party would look into what happened. He also expressed regret that Kharge's sentiments had been hurt. The BJP's response sought to distance the party from the reported havan while acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations. Mallikarjun Kharge Demands Amit Shah’s Statement in Rajya Sabha; Kiren Rijiju Says ‘Oppn Will Not Decide Which Minister Comes To House’.

What Happened at the Haldwani Ground?

The controversy began after members of the Shri Ram Sena Dhar Marth Seva Nyas Sangathan conducted a havan at Haldwani's Ram Lila Ground on August 10, two days after Kharge's rally.

Members of the organisation reportedly said the ground had religious and cultural significance and objected to its use for political programmes. They also alleged that controversial slogans were raised during Kharge's August 8 address.

Uttarakhand BJP Denies Connection

Congress's Uttarakhand unit criticised the ritual and alleged that the BJP was behind it. Congress state president Ganesh Godiyal also questioned the police response.

Uttarakhand BJP cabinet minister and state spokesperson Khajan Das denied any connection between the party and the organisers. He described the allegations as “baseless, false, and misleading”. Das instead criticised slogans allegedly raised during the Congress rally, saying they had hurt Sanatan sentiments. He accused the opposition of using the issue to divert attention from that controversy.

Political Row Continues

The exchange has brought questions of caste, religious sentiment, political expression and the use of public spaces into the ongoing parliamentary debate. While the BJP has said it does not endorse the reported ritual and has promised an inquiry, the Congress has continued to question the circumstances surrounding the event. The matter is likely to remain a point of political contention as both parties present competing accounts of what happened in Haldwani.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 13, 2026 12:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).