Addressing the Rajya Sabha, Leader of Opposition and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday called out the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for promoting caste divide in the country.
Kharge cited a recent incident in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani when a ‘shuddhikaran’ (purification) havan was performed at the Ramlila Maidan following a Congress rally addressed by him.
“I was in Haldwani where I made a public speech at Ramlila Maidan. Lakhs of people were there. At that time, I did not mention the name of any community or religion; I only reiterated the issues of the Govt,” Kharge told the Upper House.
“But after my speech, people of BJP performed a havan there to ‘purify’ that stage…Is this the way in a democracy? How are you protecting the Constitution? I am the LoP,” he further said.
While addressing reporters outside Parlianent, Kharge claimed that there was “no space for Dalits” in the country.
“…We have been saying all along that there is no space for Dalits in this country. They are dividing everyone in the name of religion. What was the need for a ‘havan’ there? Ramlila Maidan is a venue for public meetings used by all parties, but what they did was, firstly, against the Hindu religion itself. Secondly, they are working to divide the country and incite conflict between castes,” Kharge said.
Last week, Kharge had urged the government to ensure that the Union Home Minister Amit Shah addresses Parliament over the police action on July 20 protests, saying the Opposition wants the House to function smoothly but expects the government to respond to the concerns raised.
On the last day of Monsoon session, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed disruptions and sloganeering. The Opposition has rejected Home Minister Amit Shah’s offer of an extended debate, while the government has indicated that the session could be extended or a special sitting may be considered if the Opposition agrees to a discussion