Kharge Questions Nadda Over Haldwani ‘Purification’ Delay

New Delhi, September 3, 2026: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has questioned Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha JP Nadda over the alleged “purification” of a stage in Haldwani following his public meeting there, asking why no action has been taken 25 days after the incident.

Kharge has sought an explanation from Nadda and demanded that an FIR be registered against all those involved. He described the incident as an act of untouchability and unconstitutional discrimination against Dalits.

Speaking to the media, Kharge said he had raised the matter in the Rajya Sabha on August 13, when Nadda assured the House that the incident would be investigated and strict action taken against those responsible. The Rajya Sabha Chairman had also condemned the incident and said such matters should be taken seriously.

However, Kharge said 25 days had passed without any visible action from the government. He said he had now written to Nadda seeking an explanation for the delay and was awaiting his response.

Calling the incident “shameful”, Kharge said the alleged purification amounted to treating Dalits as an inferior caste. Referring to Article 17 of the Constitution, he said Dr BR Ambedkar had incorporated the provision to abolish untouchability.

Kharge alleged that the incident took place in full view of the BJP government, yet no action had followed. He also criticised the Uttarakhand Chief Minister for claiming that nothing had happened in Haldwani.

“This is not merely about me,” Kharge said, stressing that the issue concerned the sentiments and dignity of the entire Dalit community.

The Congress president also questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the incident. He alleged that the two leaders had remained silent on several issues concerning Dalits and women.

Kharge said that if he did not receive a satisfactory response from Nadda, he would raise the matter with the Rajya Sabha Chairman.

He also criticised the FIR registered against Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for speaking out against the incident. Kharge said Gandhi had consistently raised issues concerning Dalits, women, youth, unemployment and inflation both inside Parliament and outside it.

“Is this the justice system of the BJP’s double-engine government?” Kharge asked, arguing that those who raised the voices of victims were instead facing legal cases.

Kharge accused the BJP of using cases and other tactics to intimidate opposition leaders who raise issues of public interest. He, however, asserted that the Congress would not be intimidated.

He appealed to people to stand with Rahul Gandhi and his principles, and accused the BJP of resorting to political polarisation on issues involving caste and religion. Kharge urged the BJP to stop dividing people along such lines, saying it was not in the country’s interest.