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Politics
BJP Dismisses Rahul Gandhi’s Allegation of Dalit Insult by Kharge in Haldwani Ritual
✍️ Hindustan Times
🗓 30 Aug 2026, 01:48 AM
👁 4
The BJP has rejected Rahul Gandhi’s claim that Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge insulted Dalits during a purification ceremony in Haldwani, Uttarakhand.
New Delhi – The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday dismissed the allegation made by Rahul Gandhi that senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge verbally insulted Dalit participants during a traditional purification ritual held in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. Gandhi had raised the issue in a public meeting, asserting that the comment was intended to demean the community.
BJP spokesperson Anurag Thakur responded that the claim was baseless and politically motivated, stating that no evidence of any such insult exists. He emphasized that the party respects all religious and cultural practices and urged political opponents to refrain from spreading misinformation that could inflame communal sensitivities.
The purification ceremony, organised by a local Dalit welfare group, involved customary rites aimed at invoking blessings for the community. While the event proceeded without incident, the controversy has revived longstanding tensions between the two parties over Dalit outreach and representation.
Political analysts note that the episode underscores the heightened contest for Dalit votes ahead of upcoming state elections in Uttarakhand, with both parties seeking to project themselves as champions of the community’s interests.
BJP spokesperson Anurag Thakur responded that the claim was baseless and politically motivated, stating that no evidence of any such insult exists. He emphasized that the party respects all religious and cultural practices and urged political opponents to refrain from spreading misinformation that could inflame communal sensitivities.
The purification ceremony, organised by a local Dalit welfare group, involved customary rites aimed at invoking blessings for the community. While the event proceeded without incident, the controversy has revived longstanding tensions between the two parties over Dalit outreach and representation.
Political analysts note that the episode underscores the heightened contest for Dalit votes ahead of upcoming state elections in Uttarakhand, with both parties seeking to project themselves as champions of the community’s interests.