Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar condemns FIR against Rahul over Haldwani ‘purification’ row

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday condemned the FIR registered against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Uttarakhand over his remarks on a ‘purification’ ritual held at the venue of party president Mallikarjun Kharge’s rally in Haldwani.

The FIR was registered after a complaint alleged that Gandhi had given a casteist angle to the ritual. Gandhi had criticised what he called the purification ritual after Kharge addressed a rally at the site.

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“The FIR against Rahul Gandhi for speaking against an act of ‘purification’ following Mallikarjun Kharge’s rally in Haldwani is deeply condemnable,” Shivakumar said in a statement.

He said the ritual itself raised concerns about untouchability and caste discrimination and argued that the authorities should instead investigate those responsible for it and act.

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“When a voice is raised against untouchability and caste discrimination, the answer cannot be to target the person who speaks up,” Shivakumar said, adding that the Constitution guarantees equality, dignity and justice to every citizen.

Shivakumar said the Congress would continue to oppose caste discrimination and uphold constitutional values. “I strongly condemn this FIR and stand firmly with Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge,” he said.