Congress hits back after FIR against Rahul Gandhi over 'purification' remarks
Congress protests FIR against Rahul Gandhi, alleging BJP is defending casteist behaviour and suppressing voices against the 'purification' ceremony insulting Mallikarjun Kharge.
The Congress party has escalated its confrontation with the BJP after an FIR was registered against Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi by Uttarakhand Police. The case stems from Mr. Gandhi's remarks about a 'purification' ceremony held at the venue of a public meeting addressed by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in Haldwani on August 11.
Party general secretary K.C. Venugopal announced that workers will hold nationwide protests on Monday evening. The demonstrations will demand action against BJP leaders who allegedly insulted Mr. Kharge and call for defending the Constitution's social justice principles.
The Congress has framed the FIR as a diversionary tactic. It claims the move aims to shift attention from allegations of caste discrimination and to suppress those seeking action over the 'shuddhikaran' ritual. The party argues that no case was filed against the individuals who performed the ceremony, questioning the selective application of the law.
"The BJP jumped in to defend this abhorrently casteist behaviour," Mr. Venugopal said, accusing the ruling party of deploying the "entire might of the State" against those who speak out on Dalit issues. He asserted that the Congress will fight the "frivolous FIR" and continue demanding punishment for those who insulted Mr. Kharge.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stated that Mr. Gandhi had highlighted the injustice faced by Dalits, and the BJP's response within 24 hours had "proved him right." He described the Constitution as the "greatest wall" against such a mindset.
Kumari Selja, in charge of Uttarakhand, questioned why no FIR was registered against the ritual's performers. Rajendra Pal Gautam, who heads the party's Scheduled Castes department, alleged the incident violates the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
In response, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia called Mr. Gandhi "irresponsible" and "anti-Dalit," alleging that the Congress leader ignored Mr. Kharge's concerns for three weeks. Mr. Bhatia also claimed that Mr. Kharge himself "hates" Mr. Gandhi, asserting that the Congress president receives no respect within the party.