Parliament witnessed an uproar on Monday as opposition members vocally protested against the recent stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, which claimed at least 30 lives. The Lok Sabha proceedings were marked by loud sloganeering, with opposition MPs holding the government accountable for the tragedy and demanding an immediate discussion on the matter. The slogans targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, expressing frustration over what they viewed as administrative lapses that led to the unfortunate incident.
As the Question Hour commenced, opposition members continued their protests, disrupting the proceedings with chants of “Modi-Yogi down down” and “Modi-Yogi shame shame.” Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla repeatedly urged them to maintain decorum and allow the session to function smoothly. He reminded the members that they had been elected to ask questions and engage in meaningful discussions rather than resorting to disruptions. Despite his appeals, the sloganeering persisted throughout the hour, prompting the Speaker to reiterate that issues could be raised during the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address.
A united opposition stood firm in its demand for an immediate response from the government regarding the Maha Kumbh stampede. Congress leader Manickam Tagore stated that the opposition wanted an open discussion on the tragedy, but since their request was denied, they would continue to raise their voices. The discontent extended to the Rajya Sabha, where opposition members staged a brief walkout, further pressing the Uttar Pradesh government to release the list of those who lost their lives in the stampede.
The stampede occurred during the second ‘Shahi Snan’ on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, a day of immense spiritual significance that draws millions of pilgrims to the holy waters. The chaos led to injuries for around 60 individuals, in addition to the 30 lives lost. Opposition leaders have raised concerns over the handling of the massive crowds, questioning whether adequate precautions were in place to prevent such a disaster.
In response to the tragedy, the Uttar Pradesh government formed a three-member judicial commission to investigate the circumstances that led to the stampede. The commission has been tasked with identifying lapses in crowd management and providing recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future. The investigation report is expected to be submitted within a month.
While the government insists that it is taking all necessary measures to address the situation, the opposition remains steadfast in its demand for accountability. The Maha Kumbh, a festival that symbolizes faith and devotion for millions, has now also become a moment of deep sorrow for the families who lost their loved ones. The tragic incident has cast a shadow over what should have been a time of spiritual unity, turning it into a matter of national debate. As Parliament continues to grapple with the issue, the hope remains that lessons will be learned to ensure the safety of devotees in the future.
