Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge reportedly expressed disappointment with some senior party leaders during the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, saying he was “upset” that several colleagues did not publicly support him over the controversy surrounding an alleged “purification” ritual in Uttarakhand.
According to sources cited by India TV, Kharge told CWC members that he expected the Congress leadership to stand with him more openly after the incident in Haldwani. The matter had triggered a political confrontation between the Congress and BJP and was also raised in Parliament.
What Happened In Haldwani?
The controversy began after Kharge addressed a public gathering at Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani on August 8.
Following the event, an alleged “purification” ceremony was reportedly organised at the venue. The incident sparked criticism from Kharge, who questioned the religious and social reasoning behind such an act.
Kharge later targeted the BJP over the controversy and questioned whether such conduct was consistent with religious teachings.
Speaking at an event in Goa, Kharge said:“You (BJP) are anti-religion because when a person like me goes to Uttarakhand and gives a speech in front of lakhs of people, two days later you conduct a purification ceremony at the building.”
He further questioned: “Does your religion teach this? Do your people teach this? Do your gurus teach you to do this?”
Kharge has maintained that the incident was objectionable and deserved political attention.
Kharge Raises Issue In Rajya Sabha
The controversy also reached Parliament during the Monsoon Session.
Kharge raised the matter in the Rajya Sabha on August 13, saying that his Haldwani visit was not simply a political programme and that he had used the platform to discuss issues affecting the public.
The Congress chief’s comments led to a sharp exchange between the opposition and the BJP.
BJP Says It Does Not Support Such Actions
The BJP subsequently distanced itself from the alleged purification ceremony.
BJP president and Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha JP Nadda said that the party did not support such conduct and promised that the matter would be examined.
Nadda said:“We will investigate this. However, if Kharge ji is accusing us for this, then that is not acceptable. Whoever has done this, it is wrong. Don’t sensationalise this.”
The statement was significant because the BJP sought to separate itself from the incident while also rejecting Kharge’s allegation that the party was responsible.
Why Is Kharge Reportedly Upset With Congress Leaders?
According to sources cited by India TV, Kharge’s disappointment was not limited to the incident itself.
During the CWC meeting, he reportedly told party leaders that they should have openly supported him during the controversy. The lack of a stronger response from some Congress leaders allegedly left him unhappy.
The issue therefore became a matter of internal discussion within the party as Congress leaders reviewed their political response to the controversy.
Mayawati Also Condemned The Incident
The controversy has also received criticism from outside the Congress.
BSP chief Mayawati described the reported incident as concerning and called for police action.
She said: “This matter is highly condemnable and deeply concerning.”
Her reaction added another political voice to the debate surrounding the alleged purification ceremony.
What Happens Next?
The controversy has now moved beyond the original incident, with questions being raised about political responsibility, religious practices and the response of political parties.
While the BJP has said it does not support the reported ceremony and has promised an inquiry, Kharge has continued to question the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The latest development inside the Congress is his reported expression of disappointment over what he viewed as inadequate support from some party colleagues.
