New Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI): Congress President and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Monday stirred controversy by claiming that "thousands" had died in the January 29 Maha Kumbh stampede. His statement prompted strong protests from the treasury benches, with Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar urging him to retract the claim.
Kharge, however, defended his remark, stating it was his estimate and asked the government to present the official figures. "I did not say 'thousands' to blame anyone. But how many people died? Give that information at least. If I am wrong, I will apologize. They should disclose how many died and how many are missing," he asserted.
The tragic stampede occurred during the Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya, where, according to the Uttar Pradesh government, 30 people lost their lives, and 60 others were injured. Despite this official figure, while participating in a debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address, Kharge paid tributes to "the thousands who died in Kumbh," sparking immediate objections from ruling party members.
In response, Chairman Dhankhar emphasized the gravity of Kharge’s words, stating, "The LoP has indicated a scenario using figures in thousands. I appeal to him—whatever is spoken in this House carries great weight. You have said something that has numbed everyone." He further warned that such statements, even if later corrected, would send a misleading message worldwide.
Despite repeated appeals from Dhankhar to withdraw his statement, Kharge stood his ground, reiterating that the government should reveal the actual numbers. He maintained that he did not intend to hold anyone responsible but insisted on transparency regarding the incident.
In addition to his remarks on the Maha Kumbh tragedy, Kharge also paid homage to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, calling him the "architect of the modern Indian economy."
The debate in the Rajya Sabha remained charged, with Kharge’s comment dominating discussions and drawing sharp reactions from the ruling party.
Kharge, however, defended his remark, stating it was his estimate and asked the government to present the official figures. "I did not say 'thousands' to blame anyone. But how many people died? Give that information at least. If I am wrong, I will apologize. They should disclose how many died and how many are missing," he asserted.
The tragic stampede occurred during the Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya, where, according to the Uttar Pradesh government, 30 people lost their lives, and 60 others were injured. Despite this official figure, while participating in a debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address, Kharge paid tributes to "the thousands who died in Kumbh," sparking immediate objections from ruling party members.
In response, Chairman Dhankhar emphasized the gravity of Kharge’s words, stating, "The LoP has indicated a scenario using figures in thousands. I appeal to him—whatever is spoken in this House carries great weight. You have said something that has numbed everyone." He further warned that such statements, even if later corrected, would send a misleading message worldwide.
Despite repeated appeals from Dhankhar to withdraw his statement, Kharge stood his ground, reiterating that the government should reveal the actual numbers. He maintained that he did not intend to hold anyone responsible but insisted on transparency regarding the incident.
In addition to his remarks on the Maha Kumbh tragedy, Kharge also paid homage to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, calling him the "architect of the modern Indian economy."
The debate in the Rajya Sabha remained charged, with Kharge’s comment dominating discussions and drawing sharp reactions from the ruling party.
