Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Lok Sabha for not expressing condolences to the victims of the Maha Kumbh stampede during his address.
“I wanted to support what the PM said—Kumbh is our tradition, history, and culture. But there was one thing the PM did not do—pay condolences to those who lost their lives at Kumbh,” Gandhi told reporters outside Parliament.
He also highlighted issues of employment, stating, “Those who went to Kumbh also want jobs. He should speak on that too.”
During the session, Gandhi was not allowed to speak, prompting him to take a swipe at Speaker Om Birla: “The Leader of Opposition should be given permission to speak, but I guess this is the new India.”
Earlier, PM Modi had praised Maha Kumbh 2025 as a milestone for the nation, crediting the people of India, Uttar Pradesh, and Prayagraj for its success. “Many people contributed to the success of the Maha Kumbh. I thank them all,” Modi said.
A stampede during the Mauni Amavasya bathing ritual at the Maha Kumbh claimed at least 30 lives and injured 60 others. While Modi had expressed condolences on social media at the time, Rahul Gandhi accused him of failing to acknowledge the tragedy in his parliamentary speech.
