New Delhi: While at least 48 people were killed in two separate stampedes during the Maha Kumbh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday (March 18) and lauded the success of the event without making any mention of the stampedes or the deaths.
The House saw an uproar as opposition benches erupted in protest after his speech ended. Opposition members demanded that they be allowed to speak on his address but were refused by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
In his speech that lasted around 13 and a half-minutes, Modi congratulated all those who were involved in organising the Maha Kumbh, including devotees and government officials and said that the event had fostered India’s spirit of unity in diversity.
“I congratulate crores of countrymen because of whom the Maha Kumbh could be organised successfully. Many people contributed to the success of the Maha Kumbh. Several people are responsible for the success of the Maha Kumbh. I thank all the government employees, devotees, people of Uttar Pradesh and particularly the people of Prayagraj,” said Modi.
48 deaths in two stampedes find no mention in PM’s speech
The Maha Kumbh, which was held from January 13 to February 26, saw two separate stampedes. The first incident took place at the Sangam in Prayagraj on January 29 ahead of the Mauni Amavasya holy bath, killing at least 30 people and injuring 60.
The second stampede took place at the New Delhi railway station on February 18 after massive crowds gathered at the platforms to board trains that were heading to Prayagraj, killing at least 18 people.
While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) including Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath attempted to downplay the stampede on Mauni Amavasya, the stampede at the New Delhi railway station did not see an official announcement of the deaths until the Prime Minister himself offered his condolences on X.
“We all witnessed the grand effort it took to organise the Maha Kumbh. I had emphasised on the importance of ‘Sabka Prayas’ from the ramparts of Red Fort. This was an example of Sabka Prayas. The Maha Kumbh was inspired by the devotees of this country. It was an exhibit of our collective consciousness. This also gave a befitting reply to those who doubt our strength,” said Modi.
“Last year during the inauguration of the Ram Temple we saw how the country was preparing itself for the next 1,000 years. The country’s collective awakening increased the collective strength. In the history of our country there have been moments that have given a new direction, and awakened the country,” he added.
Modi referred to the Bhakti movement, Swami Vivekananada’s address in Chicago, and Gandhi’s Dandi March to say that such instances inspired India’s independence struggle.
Also Read: Kumbh Diary: Silence after a Stampede
“I view the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh as a similar moment of inspiration in which an awakened country is seen. For 1.5 months we saw the enthusiasm for Maha Kumbh. How crores of devotees rose above facility and lack of facilities enjoined in their devotion,” said Modi.
Modi said that the Maha Kumbh had fostered India’s spirit of unity, that overcomes every attempt at any divisions.
“Such events foster a spirit of unity. It shows that the strength of our unity is such that it overcomes every attempt to divide us. This spirit of unity is a great blessing for Indians. At a time when there are divisions in the world, this demonstration of togetherness is our great strength. Unity in diversity is India’s uniqueness. We have felt it and we have seen it in Maha Kumbh,” he said.
“It is our responsibility that we foster this unity in diversity. Maha Kumbh has inspired us. There are many rivers – big and small – in our country. We need to be inspired by the Maha Kumbh and think of Nadi Utsav. This will teach the youth the importance of rivers and our rivers will be protected,” added Modi.
Wasn’t allowed to speak, this is new India: LoP Rahul Gandhi
While Modi left the Lok Sabha after his speech, opposition benches rose in protest demanding that they be allowed to respond to his speech. However, Speaker Birla said that the rules do not allow members to ask questions after a minister or prime minister’s statement.
Amid loud protests from opposition benches, including chants of “tanashahi bandh karo” (stop authoritarianism), the House was adjourned till 1pm.
When the House resumed proceedings, opposition members could be seen in the well of the House raising slogans demanding to be allowed to speak. Birla allowed railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to give his reply to the discussion on the demands for grants under the control of the ministry of railways.
Leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi said outside parliament that he should have been allowed to speak in keeping with democratic structure.
“I wanted to support what the Prime Minister said. Kumbh is our history, tradition and culture. Our only complaint is that the PM did not offer his condolences to those who lost their lives in Kumbh,” he said.
“The youth who went to the Maha Kumbh also want one more thing from the PM, which is employment. He should have spoken on that. They don’t allow us to speak. According to the democratic structure, the LoP should get an opportunity to speak, but they won’t let us. This is new India,” added Gandhi.
