Karnataka: Resolution passed against ‘purification’ ritual

The Karnataka Legislative Council on Monday passed a resolution condemning the ritual “purification” of the stage used by Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, M. Mallikarjun Kharge, to address a gathering at Ram Lila Maidan in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, recently.The resolution was moved by Congress member F.H. Jakkannanavar even as the Opposition vociferously demanded the resignation of Minister B. Nagendra, creating a din in the House. Council Chairman Saleem Ahmed declared the resolution passed on a voice vote.The Congress member said the BJP and “Manuvadis” had insulted Mr. Kharge, a Dalit, by performing rituals to “cleanse” the stage from which he had addressed the gathering.“Untouchability is being practised publicly,” he said. He pointed out that the Rajya Sabh