'Purify your minds': Oppn flays BJP over 'suddhikaran' at Kharge rally venue

'Purify your own minds': SP’s Akhilesh hits out at BJP over 'suddhikaran' at Kharge rally venue TOI News Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Aug 13, 2026, 19:14 IST Comments Share AA Text Size Small Medium Large "BJP-RSS did nothing for India's freedom": Kharge at Haldwani rally, says Congress fought for India's freedom NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the BJP over the alleged “suddhikaran” of the Haldwani ground where Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge had addressed a public meeting.Yadav called the alleged act “the most despicable form of social discrimination under BJP rule”, claiming that the platform was “purified” because Kharge belongs to the Dalit community.“BJP members and their associates should purify not the platform, but their own tainted minds with the holy water of the Ganga,” Yadav said in a post on X. Questions ‘harmony’ claims Yadav also questioned those who, according to him, speak of social harmony but are unwilling to accept equality. “Where now are those discriminatory people who preached so-called harmony but found equality unpalatable?” he asked.He further said that the PDA community would unite against what he described as social misconduct and mental harassment. “The PDA society is no longer in the mood to tolerate its humiliation,” Yadav said. Kharge raises alleged ‘suddhikaran’ in Rajya Sabha Kharge, earlier on Thursday, raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha, alleging that a hawan was conducted at the Ram Lila Ground in Haldwani after his public meeting. “I was in Haldwani where I made a public speech at Ramlila Maidan. Lakhs of people were there. At that time, I did not mention the name of any community or religion; I only reiterated the issues of the government,” Kharge said.He alleged that BJP supporters later performed a hawan to “purify” the stage.“Is this the way in a democracy? How are you protecting the Constitution? I am the LoP...” Kharge said. The TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most."