Congress Targets BJP over ‘Purification’ Ritual at Kharge Rally Venue in Uttarakhand

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Thursday accused Uttarakhand BJP chief Mahendra Bhatt of justifying the ‘shuddhikaran’ (purification) ritual held at the venue of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge’s rally in Haldwani and questioned whether the BJP would take action against him for defending untouchability.

Bhatt reportedly said the venue had been polluted by slogans unsuitable for a religious place while dismissing opposition criticism of the ritual. Congress media and publicity department head Pawan Khera, reacting to his remarks, alleged that discrimination runs through the “veins” of the RSS-BJP and questioned the ruling party’s stance on the issue.