CH NEWS
BENGALURU
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Dr G. Parameshwara has strongly condemned the reported “purification ritual” conducted at a ground in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge attended a party event there.
Kharge participated in a Congress public programme at Ram Leela Maidan on August 8. Parameshwara said he was deeply hurt by reports that the venue was subsequently subjected to a purification ritual because Kharge belongs to the Dalit community.
He said the incident exposed the continuing reality of caste discrimination and untouchability in Indian society. Pointing out that India had reached the Moon’s south pole, Parameshwara said it was unfortunate that society still struggled to accept a Dalit as an equal.
He alleged that caste discrimination, untouchability and regressive practices continue despite constitutional safeguards. Calling those who oppose constitutional values “anti-national”, he said vested interests were attempting to keep such practices alive.
Parameshwara questioned whether India was returning to the era of Manusmriti under the Narendra Modi government and asked what the incident meant for ordinary Dalits if such treatment could be directed at a senior national leader.
He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that cases were registered against those responsible and that they faced stringent punishment under the law. He also called upon Dalit and marginalised communities within the BJP to introspect over the forces they were supporting.
Parameshwara’s demand
Dr G. Parameshwara condemned the reported purification ritual at a Haldwani ground following Mallikarjun Kharge’s Congress programme. He said the incident reflected the continuing presence of caste discrimination and untouchability. Parameshwara urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure legal action against those responsible and demanded stringent punishment. He also appealed to marginalised communities within the BJP to introspect about the forces and interests they support.
