New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed disappointment at the party's working committee meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday, saying he was hurt that several senior leaders did not publicly support him after a controversy in Uttarakhand's Haldwani.

According to party sources, Kharge told members of the Congress Working Committee that he had expected stronger backing after a right wing group performed a purification ritual at the venue where he had addressed a rally earlier this month.

Although he did not name any leaders, sources said his remarks reflected irritation over the absence of open support from some members of the party.

Kharge had addressed the "Vijay Shankhnaad" rally at Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani on August 8. Two days later, a right wing organisation performed a shuddhikaran havan at the same venue, triggering a political controversy.

The Congress condemned the act and alleged that the people involved had links to the BJP and RSS, saying the episode reflected an "anti-Dalit mindset." The BJP, however, distanced itself from the incident and said its members were not involved.

Briefing reporters after the CWC meeting, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal described the incident as unacceptable and condemnable, saying it reflected the BJP's political mindset. He also said the party viewed the action as an insult and a serious matter.

Kharge later raised the issue in Parliament, saying the ritual made him feel the pain of untouchability and caused humiliation. He demanded that a case be registered under the Untouchability Act against those responsible and that action be taken against them.

Responding in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister JP Nadda said the incident was unfortunate and clarified that BJP members were not involved. He also assured that the matter would be looked into.

The controversy has added to tensions between the Congress and the BJP, with both parties trading sharp attacks over the incident.