“The Congress party and its leader — the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi — have expressed concern regarding the discrimination Dalits still face today, citing several examples.
Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Saturday expressed “concern” over the recent “purification” ritual at a venue in Uttarakhand where Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had addressed a rally. If the social situation remains unchanged, it is certainly a matter of concern for our government as well; that is why we firmly articulate our stance on various issues,” Paswan, leader of Bihar-based LJP, an ally of the BJP, told the media.
“Those expressing concern today are the very people the country gave ample opportunity to for a long time after independence. However, he also questioned the Congress and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over what they did to stop discrimination against Dalits. How can they now claim that discrimination persists in society?” he asked. Paswan, whose late father was a central minister too, challenged those seeking changes to the constitutional basis of reservation to bring such a proposal before Parliament.
“Let everyone come to the floor of the Lok Sabha and do it,” Paswan said.
Controversy Erupts Over Purification Ritual Following Congress Rally
The recent Haldwani controversy began after a Congress rally on August 8 at Ramlila Maidan, which was held in advance of the Uttarakhand Assembly elections next year. Following the rally, members of a right-wing group conducted a purification ritual at the same venue. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge raised concerns in the Rajya Sabha, alleging that the ritual was a direct affront to his identity as a Dalit leader. He has since called for legal action against those responsible, urging the registration of a case under the Untouchability Act.
In response, Uttarakhand Chief Minister has denied any involvement of BJP workers in the ritual. He claimed that slogans were shouted by individuals from a specific religious community during the rally, which prompted some religious organizations to organize the purification ceremony. The Chief Minister insisted that there is no discrimination in the state.
