Uttarakhand BJP president Mahendra Bhatt. File Photo: https://en.wikipedia.org
Days after Union Minister and former BJP national president J.P. Nadda condemned the purification of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s rally venue in Haldwani, Uttarakhand BJP president Mahendra Bhatt has defended the ritual, stating ‘the place was polluted with slogans’.Mr. Kharge addressed the “Vijay Shankhnaad” rally at Haldwani’s Ramlila ground on August 8, 2026. Two days later, members of the Shri Ram Sena reportedly performed a shuddhikaran havan (purification ritual) at the same site.In the Rajya Sabha, earlier this month, Mr. Kharge demanded the arrest of those behind the purification, while the party’s in-charge Kumari Selja and PCC chief Ganesh Godhiyal accused the BJP of displaying an anti-Dalit mindset. The Congress also alleged that those who performed the purification were associated with the BJP.Responding to Mr. Kharge in Parliament, Mr. Nadda rejected the allegation that the BJP had organised the ritual, saying the party did not support such activities. Mr. Nadda added that the matter would be looked into and expressed regret if Mr. Kharge’s sentiments had been hurt.Speaking to the media after an event in Mussoorie, Mr. Bhatt said criticism over the ritual was being exaggerated by the Opposition for political gain. He argued that the sanctity of a religious and cultural venue must be respected by everyone.‘Ramlila Ground defiled’“Those who have no real issues are the ones who raise matters that only damage and divide the society. Kharge ji’s rally held in Haldwani. The Ramlila Ground there was defiled. At a place where there is a Ram temple, slogans were raised that should not have been raised. The place was polluted, and then it was purified,” said Mr. Bhatt.The Congress Working Committee (CWC) on August 19 discussed the issue in detail, during which Mr. Kharge expressed his anguish that the issue was not adequately taken up by his party colleagues. “The issue isn’t about me but about the constitutional value of equality,” Mr. Kharge was quoted as saying in the CWC meet.The CWC subsequently demanded an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and action against those involved in the purification ritual. Mr. Bhatt accused the Congress of unnecessarily linking the controversy to Scheduled Caste politics.“The purification was not done against any person belonging to a Scheduled Caste. I can say that Congress leaders are only making a mockery of their own leader. Kharge ji must understand this. Such things should not happen in Devbhoomi (the land of the gods),” he added. Published - August 26, 2026 08:03 pm IST
