.Kumari Selja seeks an impartial inquiry into the reported ‘purification’ of a stage after Mallikarjun Kharge’s address in Haldwani.
Congress Leader Calls Incident Unfortunate, Seeks Fair Probe; Says Social Discrimination Has No Place in Constitutional India
CHANDIGARH / PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK
Congress national general secretary, CWC member and Sirsa MP Kumari Selja has strongly condemned the reported incident of a stage being allegedly “purified” after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a gathering in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. She said that if the incident took place in the manner reported, it was deeply unfortunate and reflected a mindset contrary to the principles of social equality and constitutional values.
In a statement issued to the media, Selja said the entire matter should be investigated impartially and responsibility should be fixed on the basis of established facts. She stressed that the issue should not be viewed merely through the lens of political differences, as any alleged act based on notions of social or caste-based “purity” and “impurity” raises wider questions concerning equality, dignity and social harmony.
Selja described Kharge as one of the country’s senior political leaders and said his decades-long public life has been associated with the values of social justice, democracy and the Constitution. She said that from Parliament to public movements, Kharge has consistently raised issues concerning poor, deprived and vulnerable sections of society.
Against this backdrop, she said, the reported act of “purification” of a platform following his public address raises serious concerns that go beyond an individual political leader or political party.
“The Constitution guarantees equality and dignity to every citizen,” Selja said, emphasising that untouchability has been expressly abolished under the constitutional framework. She argued that even decades after Independence, the emergence of thinking that categorises people or their social identities as “pure” or “impure” should concern the entire society.
According to Selja, political disagreement is an inherent part of a democratic system and parties are free to oppose each other’s policies and political positions. However, she said political differences cannot be allowed to acquire the character of caste-based or social discrimination.
She questioned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over its position on the reported incident in Haldwani and called upon the party leadership to clarify whether it supported any such activity.
Selja said that if the BJP does not support such conduct, it should also make clear what action would be taken against those found responsible after an impartial inquiry. She maintained that political parties have a responsibility to strengthen social harmony and bring different sections of society together rather than allow incidents that could create distance, mistrust or resentment among communities.
The Congress leader said the country and the states are facing several serious public issues, including unemployment, inflation, education, healthcare and other concerns affecting ordinary citizens. Political discourse, she said, should remain focused on finding solutions to these challenges.
She warned that any mindset seeking to divide society on the basis of caste or religion weakens democratic institutions and social cohesion.
Selja also urged the Senior Superintendent of Police, Nainital, to take immediate cognisance of the matter and ensure an impartial investigation into the reported incident.
She said that if the investigation establishes that any law was violated or that an offence involving social discrimination was committed, action should be taken against those responsible in accordance with the law.
She stressed that the investigation should be based on facts and evidence rather than political allegations. Establishing what actually happened, who was involved and whether any legal provisions were violated would be essential before fixing responsibility, she said.
Selja reiterated that the Congress remains committed to social justice, equality and the fundamental principles of the Constitution. She said every citizen, irrespective of social background or political affiliation, should be treated with dignity and respect in a democratic country.
She further said that a democratic India cannot afford a narrow mindset that seeks to push society backwards through caste-based distinctions. Social harmony, equality and constitutional dignity, she maintained, must remain central to public life.
The controversy, according to Selja, also highlights the need for political and social leaders to act responsibly and ensure that public platforms are used to strengthen democratic dialogue rather than deepen social divisions.
She said that differences in political ideology should be debated through democratic means, while equality before the law and respect for every citizen must remain non-negotiable principles.
Selja called for the matter to be brought to a logical conclusion through a transparent investigation. If wrongdoing is established, she said, appropriate legal action should follow.
KUMARI SELJA’S PROGRAMME
Selja to Attend Programmes in Sirsa on August 14, Hisar on August 15
Sirsa MP, former Union minister and AICC general secretary Kumari Selja will participate in various programmes in Sirsa on August 14 and in Hisar on August 15.
On Friday, August 14, Selja will distribute water tankers under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Stadium in Sirsa at 10 a.m. She will subsequently participate in various social programmes organised in Sirsa district.
On Saturday, August 15, Selja will meet members of the public at her residence in Hisar from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
