Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 13: Chaos erupted in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday after Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that a ‘shuddikaran’ ceremony was conducted following his public meeting at Ramlila Ground in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, on August 8.
Speaking on the final day of the Parliament Monsoon Session, Kharge alleged that the ceremony was held because he is a Dalit and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of creating an atmosphere where people from marginalised communities have no place.
Kharge said he had not politicised his Haldwani rally and had only highlighted issues faced by local residents. He demanded that those responsible for the alleged incident be identified and arrested.
“I don't want to make it a political issue. I have been a parliamentarian for years, but I have never begged in front of anyone just because I am a Dalit. You have insulted me... The accused should be arrested,” Kharge said.
Responding to the allegation, Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha and Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda said the matter would be investigated and assured that action would be taken if anyone was found guilty.
Nadda said he was also saddened by the incident but urged Kharge not to politicise the matter. He maintained that the BJP does not support such practices.
“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. Even I am saddened by this. We will go into the details of it and if anyone is found guilty, then action will be taken,” Nadda said.
The exchange between the two leaders continued, prompting Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan to intervene.
Radhakrishnan termed the matter serious and said such an act should be condemned irrespective of political affiliation. He said there was no question of conducting any purification ceremony and assured that those responsible would be investigated and punished.
“There is no need to purify it. Those who did it, it would be investigated and they should be caught. They must be punished. There is no debate on this,” Radhakrishnan said, urging the members to cooperate and allow the House to function.
The Monsoon Session of Parliament, which commenced on July 20, concluded on Thursday.