Congress leader Kumari Selja raises concerns over the alleged Haldwani incident and calls for impartial legal action.
Sirsa MP says absence of FIR 24 days after the alleged incident raises questions; urges impartial action in line with constitutional values
CHANDIGARH/ PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK
Sirsa MP, former Union minister, Congress national general secretary and CWC member Kumari Selja has raised serious concerns over the alleged ‘purification’ ritual reportedly carried out at Haldwani’s Ramlila Maidan following a public meeting addressed by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. She said the reported incident raises serious questions concerning dignity, equality and the constitutional rights of the Dalit community.
Selja said that 24 days had passed since the alleged incident, yet a first information report had reportedly not been registered against those responsible or the organisations allegedly involved. She said the delay raised questions about the manner in which the matter was being handled and stressed that, in a democratic system, any mindset that undermines the dignity of a social group cannot be accepted.
According to Selja, the issue should not be viewed merely through the lens of political rivalry. She argued that the matter concerns broader questions of social equality, respect for the Dalit community and the values guaranteed under the Constitution. She called for the authorities to examine the allegations objectively and take action in accordance with the law if wrongdoing is established.
Selja also expressed concern over the registration of a case against Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi after he raised the demand for action in connection with the matter. She said the principle of equality before the law required that legal action be based on facts and applied impartially to all concerned.
She argued that if an incident allegedly violates the dignity of a particular social group, the appropriate authorities should examine the matter through an independent and fair process rather than allowing political considerations to determine the course of action. She said the law must operate equally regardless of a person’s political affiliation or position.
The Congress leader also referred to a letter written by party president Mallikarjun Kharge to Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha J.P. Nadda. According to Selja, Kharge reminded Nadda of an assurance given in the House and sought registration of an FIR along with appropriate legal action in the matter.
Selja said the issue had acquired significance beyond the immediate political controversy because it was linked to questions of equality and constitutional rights. She maintained that democratic institutions must protect the dignity of every section of society and ensure that complaints involving alleged discrimination or humiliation are dealt with according to established legal procedures.
She called upon the BJP government to respect the spirit of the Constitution and the assurance given in Parliament and ensure an impartial investigation into the matter. She said that those found responsible after due investigation should face action under the law.
Selja said the Constitution guarantees equality and dignity to citizens and that these principles must be reflected in administrative and political conduct. She argued that incidents allegedly directed at a particular social group can have wider social implications and therefore require a responsible and transparent response from the authorities.
The Congress leader further said her party would continue to raise its voice through democratic means for the dignity of the Dalit community and the protection of constitutional rights. She stressed that the objective should be to ensure equality, justice and respect for every section of society.
The controversy surrounding the alleged incident has therefore become a political and social issue, with Congress leaders demanding legal action and accountability. Selja’s remarks emphasise the need for authorities to examine the allegations on the basis of evidence and determine responsibility through due process.
She said the passage of time should not become a reason for the matter to lose attention. According to her, where allegations concern the dignity and equality of citizens, the authorities have a responsibility to address them appropriately and ensure that the legal process is followed.
Selja also linked the matter to the functioning of democratic institutions, saying that assurances made in Parliament should be respected and translated into appropriate administrative action. She said a fair investigation would help establish the facts and ensure that any person found responsible is dealt with according to law.
She maintained that the issue should not be reduced to a dispute between political parties. Instead, it should be considered in the broader context of social harmony, equal treatment and constitutional values. She urged the government and concerned authorities to ensure that the investigation, if undertaken, remains impartial and is based on evidence rather than political considerations.
The Congress leader reiterated that her party would continue to use democratic platforms to highlight issues concerning social equality and constitutional rights. She said protecting the dignity of disadvantaged sections was a responsibility shared by democratic institutions and political organisations.
With questions being raised over the reported absence of an FIR and the alleged registration of a case against Rahul Gandhi, the matter remains politically sensitive. Selja has called for the authorities to address the concerns through a fair legal process and to ensure that all parties connected with the allegations are treated equally under the law.
She said the credibility of the legal and democratic system depends on equal treatment and accountability. Any investigation, she added, should establish the facts, identify responsibility where applicable and ensure that the law is followed without discrimination.
Selja Writes to Rail Minister Over Delay in Chhattargarh Patti ROB
Sirsa MP, former Union minister, Congress national general secretary and CWC member Kumari Selja has written to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, raising concerns over the delay in construction of the Chhattargarh Patti Railway Overbridge (ROB) in Sirsa.
In her letter, Selja sought arrangements to keep traffic moving smoothly during the construction period. She proposed that the old Chhattargarh Patti railway crossing be temporarily reopened for small and light vehicles. Alternatively, she sought provision of an alternative route near the goods shed of Sirsa railway station.
Selja said she had previously raised the issue with the Railway Minister through a letter dated November 18, 2025. She said the Public Works Department has now received the required approval from the Public Health Department to commence construction work from the Chhattargarh Patti side. However, despite the approval, construction has reportedly not yet started.
According to Selja, the delay is affecting movement between the eastern and western parts of the city. Small vehicle users, two-wheeler riders and cyclists are facing considerable inconvenience because of the lack of a convenient route during the ongoing process related to the ROB project.
She urged the Railway Minister to issue immediate directions to the concerned railway officials so that an alternative traffic arrangement could be put in place and construction of the overbridge could begin without further delay.
Selja said a temporary reopening of the old railway crossing for small vehicles could provide relief to residents during the construction period. If that is not feasible, she suggested that an alternative route near the railway station goods shed should be made available.
She emphasised that the objective should be to minimise inconvenience to the public while ensuring that the long-pending infrastructure project moves forward. She urged the Railway Ministry to take an early decision on the traffic arrangement and facilitate the timely commencement of the ROB construction.
