Karnataka Legislative Council Condemns 'Purification' Ritual Targeting Kharge
The Karnataka Legislative Council on Monday passed a resolution condemning the “purification” ritual performed on the stage from which Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had addressed a gathering at Ram Lila Maidan in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. The resolution, moved by Congress member F.H. Jakkannanavar, was adopted by a voice vote, with Council Chairman Saleem Ahmed declaring it passed.
The passage came amid noisy scenes in the House, as Opposition members from the BJP and JD(S) raised slogans demanding the resignation of Minister B. Nagendra. Congress members responded with “shame on you” slogans over the Uttarakhand incident, leading to a din that briefly disrupted proceedings.
Speaking on the resolution, Mr. Jakkannanavar said the ritual amounted to a public practice of untouchability. He alleged that the BJP and “Manuvadis” had insulted Mr. Kharge, who is a Dalit, by performing the ritual to “cleanse” the stage after his speech. He noted that Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar had already condemned the incident and ordered an inquiry into it.
Congress members also questioned the moral right of the BJP to speak on Dalit issues, given the incident. The resolution, while not legally binding, symbolically records the Council’s disapproval of the practice.
The incident in Haldwani has sparked political reactions across the country. The Congress party has described the ritual as an affront to Dalit rights and demanded action against those responsible. The Rajya Sabha Chairman’s inquiry is expected to examine the circumstances and identify those who performed the ritual.
The Karnataka Legislative Council’s resolution reflects the wider political debate over caste discrimination, with several parties and organisations condemning the act. The House’s move adds to the pressure on the Uttarakhand administration to take appropriate action.
Meanwhile, the demand for the resignation of Minister B. Nagendra continues to be raised by Opposition members, though the issue appears unrelated to the resolution. The government has not yet responded to the demand.
