Haldwani, Aug. 30 -- Uttarakhand Assembly Leader of Opposition Yashpal Arya on Sunday accused the BJP of remaining silent over the 'shuddhikaran' (purification) havan conducted at Ramlila Maidan after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a rally at the venue.

Congress held a silent protest in Haldwani over the issue, during which Arya alleged that the state BJP president had justified the purification ritual.

Speaking to ANI during the protest, Arya said, "...On this very ground, after Mallikarjun Kharge's rally, a havan (ritual fire ceremony) and a purification ritual were performed, yet the government remained silent... the (state BJP) President even justifies this purification and 'havan'."

"In that very context, our lead...