Haldwani row in Parliament: JP Nadda condemns 'purification' event after Kharge's speech, promises probe

New Delhi: Rajya Sabha's leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday raised the Haldwani issue in the House, with BJP leader JP Nadda terming the incident "a sad one". On August 8, Kharge had addressed a public meeting at Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani after which a group of people performed puja to purify the place using Gangajal.

RS Chairman CP Radhakrishnan allowed Kharge to raise the issue after papers related to the departments were laid on the floor of the House. "I was in Haldwani where I made a public speech at Ramlila Maidan. Lakhs of people were there. At that time, I didn't mention the name of any community or religion. I only reiterated the issues of the government. But after my speech, BJP people performed a havan there to purify the stage. Is this the way in a democracy? How are you protecting the Constitution? I am leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha," Kharge said.

Also read: Mallikarjun Kharge alleges BJP linked ‘purification’ ritual after Haldwani speech; Union Minister Nadda assures probe


"What Khargeji said is sad, not just for Congress but for all of us. BJP does not subscribe to such activities. We will investigate this. Whatever happened there will certainly be probed. I condemn this. The national president will look into this. It is a matter of great regret for all of us that your sentiments were hurt," Nadda said.

Kharge said he never used his SC status to promote himself, adding that BJP has treated him as one by performing purification and insulting him. Nadda again responded by saying that BJP doesn't subscribe to this and an investigation would be carried out and the guilty punished.

"If untouchability is not a sin, there is no other sin in the world. We all condemn untouchability irrespective of our party, our ideology. We all are purified and there is no need for anyone to be purified again. I request the government to investigate the issue and those who have done the wrong, should be punished," Radhakrishnan said.