India
oi-Ashish Rana
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday criticised the BJP over allegations of theft involving funds linked to the Ayodhya temple, invoking Lord Ram to demand action against those accused of misusing wealth in his name. Speaking in Patna, he also raised the controversy over a reported purification ritual conducted after his rally in Haldwani, Uttarakhand.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the BJP over alleged misuse of Ayodhya temple funds and questioned the handling of a purification ritual controversy in Haldwani, Uttarakhand.
Kharge Asks Lord Ram To Punish Those Accused Of Theft
Targeting the BJP over the Ayodhya temple fund controversy, Kharge said Lord Ram should “open his eyes” and punish those who allegedly looted wealth in his name. His remarks came amid the political dispute over the alleged theft of temple-related funds.
Congress Chief Demands Inquiry Into Haldwani Ritual
Kharge also questioned the handling of the alleged ‘suddhikaran’ (purification) ritual at Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani. He said BJP president JP Nadda had promised an inquiry into the incident, but an FIR was instead filed against Rahul Gandhi during his visit to the town.
“We need to find those involved in carrying out ‘suddhikaran’,” Kharge said.
The controversy began after Kharge addressed a Congress rally at the ground on August 8. Members of a right-wing group reportedly conducted a purification ritual at the venue afterwards, triggering criticism from Congress leaders.
Rahul Gandhi Seeks Action Against Those Involved
Earlier, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to order an FIR against those involved in the ritual. He also showed a purported video of the BJP’s Uttarakhand chief supporting the act and demanded justice for Kharge.
According to an media report, Kharge had raised the issue at the Congress Working Committee meeting on 19 August, expressing disappointment that some party leaders had not addressed it.
Kharge Criticises Nitish Kumar’s Political Alignment
Kharge also attacked the RSS ideology, saying there would be no peace in the country as long as it continued to influence politics.
“I am pained that socialist leaders like Nitish Kumar joined hands with people who believe in RSS ideology”, he added.
The remarks reflect the Congress’s continued criticism of the BJP and its ideological links with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
