Indian Leaders Clash Over 'Purification' Ritual After Congress Rally

In India in late August 2026, Rahul Gandhi called for an FIR under the SC/ST Act against those who performed a "purification" ritual following a rally by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Gandhi accused the BJP and RSS of discrimination against Dalits, saying "Suddhikaran" is another name for untouchability. BJP leaders pushed back against his demand.

Separately, the BJP reprimanded three of its Delhi MPs for visiting the home of Sajjan Kumar, and party chief Nitin Nabin expressed displeasure over the visit. In other news, Nepal's President Ram Chandra Paudel thanked India for relief materials after deadly floods, calling the support exceptionally generous.