Parliament in uproar over Maha Kumbh stampede

The second day of the Budget Session witnessed chaos in both Houses of Parliament, as the Opposition vehemently demanded a discussion on the Maha Kumbh stampede in Prayagraj, which left at least 30 dead and over 60 injured.

Accusing the Modi government of mishandling the tragedy and withholding crucial information, Opposition parties staged protests and walkouts, intensifying political tensions.

As soon as proceedings commenced, Opposition MPs led by the Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) stormed the well of the Lok Sabha, demanding an immediate discussion on the stampede that occurred on 19 January during the Mauni Amavasya.

Gaurav Gogoi, deputy leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, and K.C. Venugopal, Congress general secretary, called for the suspension of Question Hour to prioritise a debate on the disaster.

However, Speaker Om Birla rejected the demand, stating that the matter could be raised during the debate on the motion of thanks for the President’s address.

This did not soothe the Opposition, unsurprisingly.

“The people of India deserve to know the scale of mismanagement that took place at the Mahakumbh and the corrective measures that need to be implemented to prevent such a disaster from repeating,” said K.C. Venugopal.

Simultaneously, in the Rajya Sabha, a similar confrontation unfolded until the Opposition staged a walkout.

RJD MP Manoj Jha underscored the need for accountability, saying, “Kumbh is a symbol of continuity, but political parties are not. People want accountability. This tragedy must be discussed in the House.”

Supporting the call for a debate, Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav alleged that the death toll was far higher than official figures suggested.

“Eyewitnesses say thousands were killed. Families are not getting bodies, and no action has been taken against responsible officials. We gave notices for discussion, but they were rejected,” Yadav said.

Despite the furore from the Opposition benches, however, the BJP-led NDA government remained defiant and silent.

The Maha Kumbh stampede occurred at the Prayagraj Mela during the second Shahi Snan, when an uncontrollable crowd reportedly surged forward for the holy dip.

DIG Mahakumbh Vaibhav Krishna confirmed the deaths of 30 pilgrims and injuries to 60 others, but refuted claims of a higher toll.

However, Opposition parties argue that the government is concealing the true extent of the disaster.

With the Opposition parties continuing to mount pressure, the Maha Kumbh stampede has emerged as a significant political flashpoint.

Whether the government yields to demands for a formal discussion remains to be seen, but the Opposition has signalled that it will not let the issue fade quietly.