BJP and Congress clash over FIR filed against Rahul Gandhi in Haldwani rally row

An FIR was registered against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi under multiple sections, including the SC/ST Act, following remarks he made at a rally in Haldwani. The complainant alleged that Gandhi gave an unwarranted caste angle to routine cleaning work at the event. Congress condemned the FIR as casteist, defending Gandhi's comments as legitimate. The BJP hit back, claiming Gandhi raised the issue only after pressure from party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, rather than on his own initiative. Uttarakhand's Chief Minister further weighed in, remarking that state residents were unaware of Kharge's caste background.