Tweet by Shri Mallikarjun Kharge on September 3, 2026

Yesterday, I wrote to the Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha, Shri J.P. Nadda, reminding him that even after 25 days, the government has taken no action regarding the shameful incident in Haldwani.

On the contrary, action was taken against the Leader of the Opposition, Shri Rahul Gandhi, because he had raised his voice against the shameful ‘purification’ incident during a press conference. This action is bizarre, as Rahul Gandhi has consistently raised the voices of all sections of society; however, the BJP cannot intimidate our Party with such tactics.

Today, this incident concerns not just me, but the Dalit community of the country. The BJP makes tall claims, yet it attempts to silence those who speak up for the victims. My only message to the BJP is this: stop dividing the people of the country along lines of caste and religion; it is not in the nation’s interest.

The Haldwani incident is a clear case of untouchability

The ‘purification’ ritual performed in Haldwani sent a message to Dalits that “We are superior and they belong to a lower caste,” which is why this act of ‘purification’ was done. Years ago, Babasaheb Dr. Ambedkar led the Mahad Satyagraha because Dalits were then denied access to water for drinking and other uses due to caste-based discrimination. In light of this, Dr. Ambedkar incorporated Article 17 into the Constitution to abolish untouchability. If an incident of ‘purification’ could occur in Haldwani right under the BJP government’s nose without any action being taken, one can only imagine what must be happening in other parts of the country.