BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi has rejected a caste angle in the Uttarakhand ‘shuddhikaran’ controversy and criticised Rahul Gandhi after the Congress leader demanded an FIR under the SC/ST Act over the alleged purification ritual.
NEW DELHI, India — BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi on Saturday claimed that the video linked to the Uttarakhand ‘shuddhikaran’ controversy had no caste angle and accused the Congress of repeatedly raising caste and other social issues to create divisions within Hindu society. His remarks came after Rahul Gandhi demanded an immediate FIR under the SC/ST Act over the alleged ritual following Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s visit to Haldwani.
Key Highlights
- Sudhanshu Trivedi said the videos linked to the Uttarakhand ‘shuddhikaran’ controversy showed no caste angle.
- Rahul Gandhi demanded an FIR under the SC/ST Act over the alleged purification ritual.
- Trivedi accused Congress of using caste, language, region, gender and other social divisions as political issues.
- BJP spokesperson Guru Prakash Paswan accused Congress of having an “anti-Dalit” mindset.
- Gandhi said the alleged ritual violated the SC/ST Act and demanded action against those involved.
Sudhanshu Trivedi rejects caste angle in Uttarakhand row
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Trivedi said the two videos related to the controversy did not indicate a caste angle. He criticised Rahul Gandhi and the Congress over their response to the incident and accused the party of repeatedly looking for issues that could create conflict in society.
“It is quite clear from these two videos that there was no angle of caste in it.”
Trivedi alleged that the Congress had focused on several divisions, including caste, language, region, gender and distinctions between forward and backward classes. He accused the party of seeking to create divisions among Hindus.
Rahul Gandhi demands FIR under SC/ST Act
The BJP’s criticism followed Rahul Gandhi’s demand for an immediate FIR over the alleged ‘shuddhikaran’ ritual in Uttarakhand. Gandhi said the alleged act violated the SC/ST Act and constituted a crime.
“This act violates the SC/ST Act. Performing a ‘purification’ ritual is a crime. Yet, no action has been taken.”
Gandhi called for an FIR against those allegedly involved in the ritual and asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to direct authorities to register the case and ensure justice for Mallikarjun Kharge.
Trivedi attacks Congress over social justice claims
Trivedi also criticised Gandhi’s comments concerning the alleged treatment of Dalits and cited several incidents to challenge the Congress party’s record on social justice.
He referred to alleged attacks involving members of the Dalit community in Rajasthan and the 2020 attack on the residence of Congress MLA Akhanda Srinivas Murthy in Karnataka. Trivedi alleged that Congress governments and party leaders had failed to provide adequate support in the cases he mentioned.
He cited incidents involving Harish Jatav in Bhiwadi, Yogesh Jatav in Alwar and Krishna Valmiki in Jhalawar while questioning the Congress’ record in Rajasthan.
Regarding Karnataka, Trivedi referred to the attack on the residence of Congress MLA Akhanda Srinivas Murthy and alleged that the party did not adequately support its own Scheduled Caste leader during the legal proceedings.
BJP cites examples of social representation
Trivedi contrasted his criticism of the Congress with the BJP’s claim of promoting social harmony and representation of disadvantaged communities.
He referred to the 1989 foundation-laying ceremony for the Ram temple, saying late Kameshwar Chaupal, who belonged to the Dalit community, had laid the foundation stone. He also cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi washing the feet of members of the Valmiki community in Varanasi.
The BJP leader additionally criticised the Congress over its historical relationship with Dr BR Ambedkar and referred to a letter allegedly written by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru following Ambedkar’s electoral defeat in 1952.
BJP spokesperson Guru Prakash Paswan backs Trivedi
BJP national spokesperson Guru Prakash Paswan, who also addressed the press conference, accused the Congress of having an “anti-Dalit” mindset. He alleged that the party uses issues concerning the Dalit community for political purposes.
Paswan cited instances involving Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Kumari Selja, V Narayanasamy and others to support his allegations.
Congress says political battle is about the Constitution
Gandhi said the Congress’ political battle was based on ideology and aimed at protecting the Constitution. He also said the party was not concerned about changes in the BJP’s organisational structure.
The exchange has intensified the political dispute over the alleged Uttarakhand purification ritual, with the BJP rejecting the caste-related interpretation and the Congress demanding legal action under the SC/ST Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Uttarakhand shuddhikaran row about?
The controversy concerns an alleged purification ritual in Uttarakhand following Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s visit to Haldwani. Rahul Gandhi demanded an FIR under the SC/ST Act over the alleged act.
What did Sudhanshu Trivedi say about the caste angle?
Sudhanshu Trivedi claimed that the videos linked to the controversy showed no caste angle and criticised Congress for raising caste and other social issues.
What did Rahul Gandhi demand over the Uttarakhand purification ritual?
Rahul Gandhi demanded an immediate FIR under the SC/ST Act against those allegedly involved in carrying out the purification ritual.
Who else addressed the BJP press conference?
BJP national spokesperson Guru Prakash Paswan also addressed the press conference and accused Congress of having an “anti-Dalit” mindset.
Praveen Yadav is the Founder and Editor at The Nation Bulletin. With over 3 years of experience in digital journalism and news reporting, he covers national affairs, governance, and breaking current events with a commitment to factual accuracy and verified reporting.
