‘Purification’ row: Padmaraj Poojary backs Kharge, Rahul Gandhi

Mangaluru: Karnataka Pradesh Congress general secretary and advocate Padmaraj R Poojary has condemned the FIR registered against Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for questioning the alleged “purification” of a place visited by AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge.

Poojary alleged that the FIR was the “height of BJP’s politics of hatred and anti-Dalit policy”. In a statement, he said the alleged act of “purification” amounted to an insult to Kharge, a veteran politician and prominent leader of the oppressed community.

Questioning the action against Gandhi, Poojary asked whether raising his voice against an alleged inhuman practice and seeking justice could be considered an offence.

Instead of initiating action against those allegedly responsible for the incident, a “malicious” case had been filed against Gandhi for standing up for the oppressed community and questioning the government, he alleged.

Poojary also accused the BJP government of misusing its power and investigative agencies to suppress the voice of the Leader of Opposition, who occupies a constitutional position.

“Congress and Rahul Gandhi will not be cowed down by such cases or threats. The fight for Dalit rights and social justice will be intensified from Parliament to the streets,” Poojary said.