Udupi: The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Campaign Committee will organise satyagrahas, silent marches and dharnas across all 41 districts of the state to condemn the alleged untouchability-related incident involving AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge in Uttarakhand, said KPCC Campaign Committee president Vinay Kumar Sorake in Udupi on Thursday.
Addressing a media briefing, Sorake accused the Uttarakhand BJP of insulting Kharge and violating the constitutional principles of equality and social justice. He alleged that a place where Kharge had attended a programme was subsequently “purified”, describing the act as a return to practices associated with the 18th century.
Sorake condemns alleged purification act
Sorake said the alleged purification of the venue after Kharge’s visit was “shameful” and claimed that some BJP leaders had gone on to justify the act.
He questioned why no FIR or legal action had been initiated against those allegedly responsible, while an FIR was filed against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks concerning the issue and the Central government.
“Practicing untouchability is an offence under the SC/ST Act, but still no FIR and legal action was taken against those who committed the crime,” Sorake said.
He accused the BJP government of failing to effectively implement provisions intended to protect members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
According to Sorake, Kharge is not only the national president of the Congress but also a senior parliamentarian and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, with a long political career and experience in handling several portfolios.
Congress alleges constitutional insult
Sorake described the incident as an insult to Kharge, the nation and the Constitution. He alleged that the BJP was attempting to bring back the principles associated with the Manusmriti.
He also referred to Rahul Gandhi’s demand for an FIR in connection with the alleged incident and invoked Article 17 of the Constitution, which abolishes untouchability and prohibits its practice in any form.
“Rahul Gandhi demanded an FIR under Article 17 of the Constitution. He is the shadow prime minister of the nation,” Sorake said.
He added that the KPCC Campaign Committee had decided to organise protests throughout Karnataka, with similar programmes to be conducted at the district level.
The Congress leader said the proposed protests were aimed at condemning the alleged incident and highlighting what the party described as the continuing threat of caste-based discrimination.
Udupi Congress announces September 12 protest
Udupi District Congress Campaign Committee president Harish Kini said the district unit would organise a satyagraha on September 12 at the Gandhi statue in Ajjarkad.
The programme will also include a “Gandhi Smrithi” event, he said.
Kini alleged that atrocities against SC/ST communities had increased under BJP rule and questioned why those allegedly involved in the Uttarakhand incident had not been arrested.
“Rahul Gandhi questioned on the basis of Article 17 of the Constitution. Is being by the side of the Constitution an offence under BJP rule?” he asked.
Kini also questioned whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi would seek an unconditional apology from disadvantaged communities over the alleged incident.
The Congress leaders said the September 12 programme in Udupi would form part of the wider state-level campaign planned by the KPCC Campaign Committee.
District leaders attend briefing
Udupi District Congress president Kishan Hegde Kolkebailu and other party leaders were present during the media briefing.
The Congress said its planned protests across Karnataka would focus on opposing untouchability and caste discrimination while drawing attention to the constitutional safeguards against such practices.
The controversy has also become a political issue between the Congress and BJP, with Congress leaders demanding action against those allegedly responsible for the incident and questioning the response of authorities in Uttarakhand.