BJP says Rahul Gandhi politicises Kharge's Dalit identity in Haldwani row

31-Aug-2026

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Senior BJP leaders accused Rahul Gandhi of exploiting Dalit issues and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's identity for political gain after Gandhi demanded an FIR over an alleged 'purification' event by BJP and RSS workers in Haldwani, following Kharge's rally. 

BJP dismissed Gandhi's claims, calling them politically motivated, while opposition leaders, including RJD's Manoj Jha, condemned the incident as caste prejudice and highlighted RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's call for Hindu-Muslim harmony amid the controversy.