A row erupted in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday after Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that people associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) carried out a ‘Shuddhikaran’ (purification) ritual at the stage in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani where he had addressed a public meeting.Kharge, who is also the Congress president, had addressed a rally at Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani on August 8 as part of the party’s preparations for the 2027 Uttarakhand Assembly election.Speaking in the House on the last day of the Monsoon Session, Kharge said lakhs of people had attended his speech and that he had not referred to any particular community or religion.Read More: NDA, INDIA bloc MPs clash with protests and counter slogans near the Parliament on Thursday"I only spoke about the problems of the people," he said.He alleged that people associated with the BJP later performed a havan and carried out a purification ritual at the stage."I do not want to turn this into a political issue. I have been in this House for many years, but I have never stood before anyone and pleaded for help by saying that I am an SC or a Dalit. I have the strength to fight, and I fight. But when you practise untouchability against me, you insult and humiliate me," he said.Kharge also questioned the government over the incident, saying, "Is this the way things should happen in a democracy? How are you protecting the Constitution?"He later demanded that cases be registered under the Untouchability Act against those responsible and that they be arrested and sent to jail.Read More: CJP's Saurav Das alleges 'intimidation' by Puducherry police; official rejects claim as falseLeader of the House and Union Minister JP Nadda condemned the alleged incident and said the BJP does not subscribe to such activities. He also assured the House that the matter would be investigated."What Kharge ji has said is truly a matter of concern- not just for the Congress party, but for all of us. Kharge ji has said that those who did this were BJP people. I want to make it absolutely clear that the BJP does not subscribe to such activities," he said."However, since you have raised the issue, we will have it investigated. But let me reiterate that the BJP does not support or endorse such activities. It is a matter of regret for all of us," the BJP leader emphasised.Nadda again reiterated that the BJP does not endorse such activities. The House also witnessed sloganeering by members of both the Opposition and Treasury benches during the proceedings.Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan also condemned the alleged incident and said untouchability must be rejected irrespective of political affiliation or ideology."We all condemn this, irrespective of party or ideology. We all condemn untouchability, and we are all already 'purified.' There is no need for anyone to purify us again and again," he said.The Chairman also asked the government to investigate the allegations and take action if they are found to be true."I also request the government that those who have done this wrong should be investigated, apprehended, and punished. There is no second opinion on this," he said.