- Opposition MPs protested in Lok Sabha over the Maha Kumbh stampede in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj.
- At least 30 people died, and 60 others were injured in the tragedy.
- Speaker Om Birla urged MPs not to disrupt the Question Hour with slogans.
- The opposition demanded an immediate discussion and accountability from the government.
- A judicial commission was formed to investigate the cause of the stampede.
New Delhi, Feb 3, 2025 – Chaos erupted in the Lok Sabha on Monday as opposition MPs raised slogans demanding accountability over the recent stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The tragic incident, which occurred during the second Shahi Snan on Mouni Amavasya, claimed at least 30 lives and left around 60 injured.
The opposition targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, blaming the government for mismanagement. MPs chanted slogans like “Modi-Yogi down down” and “Modi-Yogi shame shame” while disrupting parliamentary proceedings.
Parliament in Uproar
The uproar began during the Question Hour as opposition members continuously raised their voices over the Maha Kumbh disaster. Speaker Om Birla attempted to maintain order and criticized the disruptions. Addressing the MPs, he said, “Are you sent by voters to ask questions or to break tables?”
Despite his repeated appeals, sloganeering continued throughout the hour. At the end of the session, Birla urged MPs to uphold parliamentary traditions by raising their concerns after 12 p.m. during the Motion of Thanks for the President’s Address.
“I request all members to raise their issues during the discussion on the President’s speech. The Question Hour should never be disrupted. It is our collective responsibility to maintain decorum,” Birla stated.
Opposition’s Demand for Discussion
The united opposition insisted on an immediate discussion on the Maha Kumbh tragedy, demanding that the government release the names of the deceased. Congress leader Manickam Tagore emphasized their stance, saying, “The opposition in Lok Sabha demands a discussion on the Maha Kumbh tragedy and asks the government to respond. Since this was not allowed, we continue to raise our voices.”
In the Rajya Sabha, opposition members staged a brief walkout, further pressuring the government to address the issue.
The Maha Kumbh Stampede: What Happened?
A deadly stampede took place during the sacred bathing ritual on Mouni Amavasya, one of the holiest days of the Maha Kumbh Mela. Devotees gathered in huge numbers at the ghats of Prayagraj, overwhelming the crowd control measures. Witnesses said a sudden surge caused panic, and people were trampled in the chaos.
After the incident, the Uttar Pradesh government announced the formation of a three-member judicial commission. The commission’s job is to investigate what led to the stampede and suggest ways to prevent similar incidents. It must submit its report within a month.
Opposition leaders doubt how the government handled the event, despite its assurances. Critics believe that poor crowd management and a lack of emergency response worsened the situation, leading to many casualties.
Public Outrage and Religious Sentiments
The Maha Kumbh Mela draws millions of devotees from India and beyond. Recently, a stampede has raised concerns about safety at large religious events. Many religious and social groups have called on the government to improve security measures and upgrade infrastructure to avoid future tragedies.
As investigations continue, the Maha Kumbh stampede remains a hot topic in national politics. The opposition demands transparency, while the government is under pressure to make religious events safer. With the judicial commission’s report coming soon, the nation eagerly waits to understand what caused the tragic loss of lives in Prayagraj.