In his Lok Sabha speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Uttar Pradesh administration for successfully hosting the Kumbh, which saw a massive footfall of over 60 crore.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the Lok Sabha, praised the successful organization of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, highlighting its cultural and spiritual significance. However, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticized the Prime Minister for not paying tribute to the victims of the January 29 stampede during the gathering.
Speaking to the media after the Prime Minister’s speech, Rahul Gandhi acknowledged the importance of the Kumbh but expressed disappointment over the omission of condolences. “Kumbh is our tradition, history, and culture. Our only complaint is that the Prime Minister did not pay tribute to those who died in Kumbh,” he said.
He also stated that young people expected discussions on employment opportunities during the event. “The Prime Minister should have spoken about it,” he remarked. When asked about not being allowed to speak in Parliament, Gandhi said, “According to democratic structure, the Leader of the Opposition should get an opportunity to speak, but they won’t let us. This is new India.”
PM Modi Hails Kumbh’s Success
In his speech, Prime Minister Modi lauded the Uttar Pradesh administration for efficiently managing the event, which saw an unprecedented footfall of over 60 crore people. He expressed gratitude towards the people and officials involved in its execution.
“The whole world has witnessed the great glory of Bharat through the Mahakumbh. This success is a result of the dedication and faith of millions of devotees, and it reflects our national consciousness,” he said.
The Prime Minister also addressed concerns raised by critics, stating that the smooth conduct of the Maha Kumbh proved India’s organizational capabilities. “Just as the Ram Mandir ceremony last year marked a historic moment, the Maha Kumbh stands as another milestone in shaping India’s future for the next 1,000 years,” he added.
Opposition Demands Acknowledgment of Tragedy
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi also voiced concerns over the lack of acknowledgment of the stampede victims. “The Prime Minister spoke optimistically about the Maha Kumbh, but the Opposition should have been allowed to express their views as well. We also share the same sentiments about the event,” she said.
The 44-day-long religious gathering at Prayagraj drew crores of pilgrims and tourists from India and abroad. However, a tragic stampede on January 29 near the Sangam (confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati) claimed 30 lives and injured 60 others. Another stampede at New Delhi railway station, triggered by the rush of passengers heading to Prayagraj, led to the deaths of 18 people.
Despite these incidents, the event was widely regarded as a grand success, showcasing India’s cultural and religious heritage on a global stage.
