Warring Accuses BJP of 'Casteist Mindset' Over Rahul Gandhi FIR

Punjab Congress chief Amar Singh Raja Warring has criticized the Uttarakhand BJP government over the FIR registered against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the action reflects a "casteist mindset." Warring accused the BJP of targeting Gandhi instead of taking action over the alleged 'shuddhikaran' (purification) of a venue where Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had addressed a public meeting.

In a post on X, Warring said the government had failed to act against those responsible for the alleged incident and instead registered an FIR against Gandhi. "The BJP government has registered an FIR against Rahul Gandhi ji," Warring said, adding that the action "reveals the casteist mindset of the BJP and its leaders." He also stated that the FIR would not intimidate Rahul Gandhi or the Congress party.

Kerala CM Satheesan Condemns FIR as 'Criminalising Dissent'

Kerala Chief Minister D. Satheesan strongly condemned the FIR registered by the Uttarakhand Police, describing it as a deeply disturbing development and accusing authorities of attempting to criminalise dissent. In a post on X, Satheesan said the issue raised by Rahul Gandhi regarding the alleged purification ritual at Haldwani's Ramlila Ground raised serious questions about dignity, equality, and caste discrimination.

"Instead of addressing these concerns, an FIR has been registered against Rahul ji for speaking out and demanding action," Satheesan said, adding that political disagreement must be answered politically, not through intimidation and misuse of the law. The KPCC has announced a protest march on Monday from the Palayam Martyrs' Column to the AG's Office in Thiruvananthapuram.

Background: The 'Purification' Ritual and the FIR

The FIR was registered by Haldwani City Kotwali Police on August 30 following a complaint by Amit Kumar, a member of the Valmiki community. The complaint relates to Rahul Gandhi's statements regarding the alleged 'shuddhikaran yajna' (purification ritual) conducted at the venue where Kharge addressed a Congress rally. Rahul Gandhi had earlier called the reported ritual "another name for untouchability" and demanded an FIR under the SC/ST Act, stating the act violates constitutional values. The Congress has framed the issue as a matter of caste discrimination and equality.