Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge calls Haldwani purification ritual an act of untouchability

Congress senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge publicly denounced a purification ritual conducted in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, describing it as an "act of untouchability." His remarks highlighted concerns that the ceremony perpetuated caste-based discrimination. The statement was made during a press interaction in which Kharge emphasized the need to eradicate practices that marginalise Dalits and other vulnerable communities. Observers noted that the leader's comments could intensify scrutiny of traditional rituals that invoke caste hierarchies. The incident has drawn reactions from local officials and social groups, all urging a review of such customs in line with constitutional equality.

Kharge's condemnation comes at a time when several states are revisiting caste‑related customs under pressure from civil‑society organisations. While the ritual itself was intended as a symbolic cleansing, critics argue that its execution reinforces outdated notions of purity and impurity. The leader called for immediate cessation of such practices and urged community leaders to adopt inclusive alternatives.

The controversy underscores the broader national debate on caste discrimination and the role of religious or cultural ceremonies in perpetuating it. Government agencies in Uttarakhand have yet to issue an official response, but the issue is expected to feature in upcoming discussions on social reform.