Andhra Pradesh Congress president Y. S. Sharmila on Thursday strongly condemned the alleged purification of places visited by the party’s national president Mallikarjun Kharge, describing the incident as an insult to Dalit dignity and an example of caste discrimination.In a post on X, Ms. Sharmila wrote: “Discrimination against Dalits, caste divisions and attempts to create differences on the basis of religion are part of the BJP’s ideology and political agenda.”Referring to an incident at Ramlila Maidan, she said that the reported purification of the place where Mr. Kharge had stood reflected untouchability and social inequality.She also alleged that in Haldwani, the BJP and Hindutva organisations purified the venue where a Congress rally had been held with Gangajal. She claimed that the act was intended to suggest that the area had been polluted by Mr. Kharge’s presence. “The incident is shameful and an attack on equality, social justice and constitutional values,” she said.Ms. Sharmila said as part of a protest, the Congress party will stage mass marches and Satyagraha programmes across all districts in the State on the evening of August 14, 2026. Under the leadership of District Congress Committees, the marches will culminate at the statues of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar or Mahatma Gandhi, where the Satyagraha programmes will be held in solidarity with Mr. Kharge.She urged party leaders, workers and various organisational wings to participate in large numbers and send a strong message against discrimination and divisive politics. Published - August 13, 2026 10:34 pm IST