In ‘New India’, Oppn not allowed to speak: Rahul Gandhi on PM’s Maha Kumbh speech

The Opposition on Tuesday, 17 March, protested against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in Parliament on the Maha Kumbh Mela, accusing him of ignoring critical issues, including the deadly stampede in Prayagraj.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi lashed out at the ruling dispensation, alleging that in ‘New India’, the Opposition is systematically silenced.

Addressing reporters outside Parliament, Gandhi said, “According to the democratic structure, the Leader of the Opposition should be allowed to speak [as well], but we are not given permission. This is New India.”

Gandhi also criticised the prime minister for failing to acknowledge the lives lost in the 29 January stampede during the Maha Kumbh festival, which took place from 13 January to 26 February.

“I wanted to support what the prime minister was saying about the significance of the Kumbh. It is our tradition, history and culture.

“But there is also a complaint — the prime minister did not pay homage to those who lost their lives,” he said.

Raising another key concern, Gandhi stressed that the youth who attended the Kumbh need more than religious and cultural spectacles — they need jobs.

"The prime minister should also speak about employment," he said.

Earlier in the day, the Lok Sabha was briefly adjourned till 1 p.m. after Opposition members protested against Modi’s remarks on the Maha Kumbh Mela.

In his address, the prime minister had described the event as a symbol of India's organisational prowess, claiming that it was a “befitting response” to those who doubt the country’s ability to handle large-scale gatherings.

"The entire world witnessed the grandeur of India during the Mahakumbh," Modi said, framing the event as a reflection of a "rising India."

However, the Opposition has pointed out a glaring contradiction — while the government celebrates the scale of the Maha Kumbh, it has chosen to remain silent on the tragic stampede that claimed multiple lives.

Critics argue that the focus on spectacle over substance reflects the Modi administration’s broader approach: prioritising optics over accountability.

Assam Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi was one of those who deplored the ruling NDA's inability to cede space to differing opinions in a democratic manner. He posted on X:

‘A Parliament where only the Prime Minister and his Ministers speaks is not a functioning Parliament.

‘The Parliament belongs to the people of India and all parties must be allowed to have their say.’