Congress Protests 'Purification' Ritual and FIR Against Rahul Gandhi

Congress activists took to the streets in Kalaburagi and Ballari on Saturday, September 12, 2026, voicing fierce opposition to what they called a "purification" ritual performed on a stage in Uttarakhand after an address by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The protests also condemned the registration of an FIR against Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on the incident.

Context of the Controversy

The uproar stems from a reported ritual at the Ramlila Ground in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, following Mr. Kharge's address on August 8. Congress leaders argue this act reflects deep-seated caste discrimination and a backward mindset, accusing the BJP-led state government of using legal mechanisms to suppress opposition voices.

Protest Details

In Kalaburagi, District Congress Campaign Committee president Ashok Veeranayaka led a silent padayatra from the District Congress Office to Jagat Circle, where demonstrators gathered before the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar statue. Participants carried portraits of Mahatma Gandhi and Ambedkar, symbolizing their fight against discrimination. Similarly, in Ballari, the City District Congress Committee held a silent protest near the Mahatma Gandhi statue at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, led by KPCC Campaign Committee district in-charge Anand Kumar and others.

Leaders' Reactions

Congress representatives did not mince words. They labeled the purification ceremony an affront to dignity and equality, demanding immediate action against those responsible and the withdrawal of the FIR against Mr. Gandhi. Their statements to the media emphasized a pattern of targeting opposition leaders, framing it as an abuse of power.

Congress leaders alleged that the incident in Haldwani reflected caste discrimination and accused the Uttarakhand government of targeting senior Opposition leaders.