Rahul Gandhi calls out stampede silence after PM Modi says Mahakumbh proof of India’s capability
New Delhi: Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi remarked today that Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Kumbh but failed to honor the victims of the January 29 stampede that occurred during the event. Speaking to the press following the Prime Minister’s address in the Lok Sabha, where he expressed gratitude to the people of Uttar Pradesh for their support in organizing the large-scale gathering in Prayagraj, Mr. Gandhi stated, “I wanted to endorse the Prime Minister’s remarks. The Kumbh represents our tradition, history, and culture. Our sole grievance is that the Prime Minister did not acknowledge those who lost their lives at the Kumbh.”
The Congress leader further noted that young people anticipated job opportunities arising from the Kumbh. “Therefore, the Prime Minister should have addressed this issue,” he asserted. When questioned by the media about not being given an opportunity to speak, Mr. Gandhi responded, “In a democratic framework, the Leader of the Opposition should have the chance to speak, but they do not allow us to. This is the reality of new India.”
During his speech in the Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister commended the Uttar Pradesh administration for effectively managing the Kumbh, which attracted over 600 million attendees. “I wish to express my gratitude to the public and the administration for the successful organization of the Mahakumbh. The achievement of the Mahakumbh is a testament to the hard work of many individuals. I extend my thanks to everyone: the devotees from across the country, the people of Uttar Pradesh, and especially the residents of Prayagraj. We are all aware of the significant efforts made to bring the Ganga to the earth; similar dedication has been applied to the grand Mahakumbh,” the Prime Minister stated.
“The entire world has witnessed the immense glory of Bharat through the Mahakumbh, thanks to the contributions of the nation’s citizens. This Mahakumbh was fueled by the faith and determination of the people. In this Mahakumbh, we experienced the remarkable awakening of our national consciousness,” he added.
The Prime Minister remarked that the successful execution of the grand event has dispelled the doubts and concerns expressed by “certain critics” regarding India’s capabilities. He emphasized that the gathering served as a robust illustration of the nation’s potential and determination. “During the Ram Mandir ceremony, we sensed the nation’s preparations for the next millennium, and now, merely a year later, the organization of the Maha Kumbh reinforces that same vision.”
“In the history of any nation, certain events become pivotal, transcending time and serving as examples for future generations. The Maha Kumbh is one such event for India,” he asserted, highlighting the importance of these national milestones in bolstering the collective spirit of the country.
“The magnificence of the Maha Kumbh reflects the resurgence of our national consciousness and serves as a strong response to those who question our capabilities,” he stated.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi expressed that the Opposition should have been given the opportunity to voice their opinions regarding the Kumbh. “The Prime Minister spoke with optimism about the Maha Kumbh. The Opposition should also have had the chance to share their views, as they too have sentiments related to it. There should be no issue with us expressing ourselves. The Opposition should have been allowed to speak for two minutes,” she told reporters.
The 44-day religious gathering in Prayagraj attracted millions of pilgrims and tourists from across the nation and around the globe. However, a tragic incident occurred during the event when a stampede near the Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati—on January 29 resulted in the deaths of 30 individuals and injuries to 60 others, according to the state government. Another unfortunate event took place at New Delhi station, where a large crowd attempting to board trains for Prayagraj led to a stampede, claiming 18 lives.
