THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has strongly condemned the reported ‘shuddhikaran’ (purification) ceremony conducted by right-wing activists and BJP workers at a venue in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, shortly after AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, addressed a rally there. Terming the incident deeply shameful and reprehensible, the Chief Minister stated that it represents a blatant violation of constitutional equality and democratic values.
The controversy erupted after a ‘hawan’ ritual was held at the Ramlila Ground in Haldwani following Kharge’s public address. Raising the issue in the Parliament, Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that the stage was “purified” solely because he belongs to the Dalit community, demanding strict action and the arrest of those involved under anti-untouchability laws.
​”The sacrifices and struggles of the Dalit community have played a pivotal role in building our nation and its democracy. The BJP and the Sangh Parivar, who are attempting to rewrite history, cannot erase these contributions. Strict legal action must be taken against the perpetrators.”
— V.D. Satheesan, Chief Minister
​CM Satheesan urged the people of the country to stand united against social evils and caste-based discrimination, calling upon enforcement agencies to ensure stern punishment for those violating constitutional guarantees of equality.
