New Delhi, August 31: Political tensions have escalated following Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s rally in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, which sparked a controversy over ‘purification.’ Congress MP Randeep Surjewala launched a sharp attack on the Uttarakhand BJP government regarding the FIR filed against Rahul Gandhi. He described this as evidence of the BJP’s ‘frustration’ and ‘anti-Dalit mentality.’
Surjewala stated that Rahul Gandhi merely questioned whether the practice of untouchability should be eradicated permanently. He emphasized the need to end discrimination against Dalits, the poor, backward classes, and marginalized groups.
He alleged that if a leader of the opposition and the Congress president can face caste discrimination, it raises serious concerns about the daily struggles of ordinary Dalits and the poor. Surjewala highlighted that Rahul Gandhi’s FIR reflects the deep political controversy surrounding social prejudices.
He accused the BJP of a double standard regarding the rights of Dalits and social justice. Surjewala pointed out that while the controversy over the alleged purification after Kharge’s event emerged, questions continued to arise about other statements and meetings involving BJP leaders. He questioned whether equal opportunities should not exist for Dalits, backward classes, the poor, and marginalized individuals in the country.
Surjewala asserted that filing an FIR against any leader advocating for the rights of these groups does not solve the problem. He stated that Rahul Gandhi is not intimidated by such actions. He affirmed that Congress workers and ordinary citizens stand with Rahul Gandhi in the fight for social justice, equality, and constitutional rights. Whenever the rights of a Dalit, poor, backward, or marginalized person are under attack, Congress will raise its voice against it.
He added that the BJP can file as many FIRs as it wants, but this will not deter Congress from addressing social justice issues. Surjewala linked this to the right to equality enshrined in the Constitution, noting that the commitment to abolish untouchability was made through the Constitution.
Surjewala also posed several questions to senior BJP leaders and the Uttarakhand government. He asked why Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, senior BJP leader B.L. Santosh, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi, and state BJP leadership appeared to defend those involved in the alleged purification incident. He questioned why BJP leaders were allegedly standing up for those involved if the incident was indeed wrong and warranted action.
Surjewala concluded that if a prominent public figure, such as the leader of the opposition, can face caste discrimination, it raises serious questions about the status of ordinary Dalit citizens. He referenced Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the Constitution, stating that the Constitution guarantees equality for all citizens and abolishes untouchability. Rahul Gandhi has vowed to eradicate this mentality, and the party will not back down on this issue.
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