NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his address on Maha Kumbh in the lower house of the Parliament.
Rahul attacked PM Modi for not paying the condolences to people who lost their lives in the stampede in January during the recently concluded Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh’s Maha Kumbh.
“I wanted to support what the PM said, Kumbh is our tradition, history, and culture. There was one thing the PM did not pay condolences to people who lost their lives in Kumbh,” Rahul said as he stepped out of the Lok Sabha.
“Those who went to Kumbh also want employment, he should also speak on employment,” he added.
The Congress leader took a swipe at Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla after he was not given permission to speak.
“LoP should be given permission to speak, but I guess it is a new India,” the Congress leader said.
Earlier, PM Modi addressed the Lok Sabha, praising Maha Kumbh 2025 as a milestone for the country. Lauding its success, he credited the people of India, Uttar Pradesh, and Prayagraj for making the event possible.
“I stand here to speak on Prayagraj’s Maha Kumbh. I congratulate crores of countrymen because of whom the Maha Kumbh could be organised successfully,” PM Modi said.
“Many people contributed to the success of the Maha Kumbh… I thank the people of India, UP, and Prayagraj,” he added.
In a pointed remark aimed at the opposition, Prime Minister Modi stated that the success of the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj had silenced the doubts and fears raised by certain critics regarding India’s capabilities.
A stampede during the Mauni Amavasya bathing ritual at the Mahakumbh mela claimed at least 30 lives and left 60 others injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also expressed his condolences on social media, calling the accident “extremely sad.” He assured that the local administration was working to assist the victims and said he had spoken to chief minister Yogi Adityanath about the situation.