New Delhi, Feb 4 (PTI) – Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha member Sagarika Ghose sharply criticized the BJP-led NDA government on Tuesday, accusing it of creating an “acute governance deficit” in India. Ghose claimed the government is disconnected from reality, prioritizing "minimum government, maximum publicity" over substantive governance.
While speaking during the discussion on the motion of thanks to the President’s address, Ghose questioned the government's reluctance to disclose the number of deaths in the stampede during the Maha Kumbh, stating that it reflects a deeper issue of mismanagement. She further expressed concern over the government’s failure to address pressing national issues, such as unemployment, inflation, and the security crisis in Manipur.
“The government doesn’t follow a national motto or the principle of 'Satyameva Jayate'. Instead, it lives in an imagined reality, chasing media attention and manipulating public narratives,” Ghose said. “What we are witnessing today is not ‘minimum government, maximum governance,’ but ‘minimum government, maximum publicity.’”
Ghose pointed to the government's excessive focus on media coverage and event management during this year’s Maha Kumbh, accusing them of downplaying the scale of the tragedy. “Why is the BJP government hesitant to reveal the actual death toll? Rather than showing remorse or taking responsibility, the government’s PR machinery is relentlessly promoting its image,” she said.
She also referenced reports from investigative journalists, who suggested that the death toll may be much higher than the official numbers, and that multiple stampedes might have occurred at the gathering. Ghose further blamed the VIP culture at the Kumbh for exacerbating the situation. She argued that the special privileges given to VIPs—who were allowed to drive to the ghats while common pilgrims were forced to walk—led to chaos and contributed to the stampede. "This government, which came to power promising to eliminate VIP culture, has turned into one that caters to VIPs," she added.
The TMC leader contrasted the treatment of the Kumbh disaster with the safety measures at the Gangasagar Mela in West Bengal, where large crowds gather annually without similar incidents. “If a stampede had occurred there, there would have been multiple fact-finding missions. But in the case of the Kumbh, the government continues to spin its own narrative,” Ghose said.
Ghose also took aim at the government’s "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" slogan, pointing out the growing wealth disparity in the country. “Today, India is dubbed the ‘Billionaire Raj,’ with the top 1% controlling 40% of the nation’s wealth, while the bottom 50% have only 3%. Is this ‘Sabka Vikas,’ or is it just development for a select few?” she asked.
The Rajya Sabha member questioned the government's commitment to inclusive growth, pointing out how Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets with celebrities but not with farmers, while opposition voices are sidelined in Parliament. She also criticized the Prime Minister for not holding a single press conference. “Where is ‘Sabka Saath’ when the government ignores the opposition and bulldozes legislations?” Ghose queried.
She further accused the government of stifling dissent and undermining free speech, citing India’s declining position in the Reporters Without Borders’ Press Freedom Index, where the country now ranks 159th out of 180 nations. “If the government were willing to acknowledge its mistakes, it would recognize the suffering of the people,” she said. “Instead, we only hear the constant PR drumbeat.”
Ghose also criticized the state of free speech in India, calling it a "fearful" environment, where entrepreneurs live under the threat of raids and opposition parties feel persecuted by constitutional agencies. “Is this the ‘Amrit Kal’—an era where free speech is suppressed, and fear is the dominant emotion for those who dare to speak the truth?” she asked.
Other members of Parliament also joined the debate. Manoj Kumar Jha (RJD) called for a ban on VIP visits to religious gatherings, emphasizing the need for dignity in death, especially after the stampede at the Maha Kumbh. He also expressed concern over the draft UGC regulations, labeling them as “anti-teacher, anti-university, and anti-student,” and speculating that the government may be pushing towards the privatization of education.
KR Suresh Reddy (BRS) stressed the need for urgent action to restore peace in Manipur and called for stronger laws to address defection in politics, as well as faster resolution of interstate water disputes through tribunals.
The debate continues as opposition members demand greater accountability from the government on issues of national importance.
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