Haridwar, Aug. 31 -- The Haridwar District Congress Committee on Monday launched a massive protest in Haridwar and filed a police complaint against BJP Uttarakhand State President Mahendra Bhatt and 15 others, seeking the registration of a case under the SC/ST Act.

The controversy stems from the alleged 'purification' of the Ramlila Ground in Haldwani following a public meeting by Congress National President and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on August 8. The Congress has taken strong exception to BJP State President Mahendra Bhatt's statement justifying the ritual.

Congress workers, led by Metropolitan President Aman Garg, staged a fierce demonstration at the Haridwar Kotwali police station before submitting a...