New Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI) – The Lok Sabha on Monday witnessed uproarious protests by opposition parties demanding an immediate discussion on the tragic stampede at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. The opposition, led by Congress, pressed for a detailed list of those who lost their lives in the incident.
As the House convened for the first time following the President's address and the presentation of the 2025-26 Union Budget, opposition MPs swiftly took to their feet, demanding accountability and discussions over the January 29 stampede. Chaos ensued as opposition members stormed the well of the House, raising slogans and disrupting proceedings.
Opposition Seeks Immediate Debate, Suspension of Question Hour
Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi, the party’s deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, and K C Venugopal, general secretary, spearheaded the demand for an urgent discussion, even calling for the suspension of the Question Hour. The opposition insisted on obtaining a full list of the deceased and injured in the tragic incident.In response, Speaker Om Birla urged the members to raise the issue during the scheduled debate on the motion of thanks to the President’s address.
"The Honourable President has already referred to the Maha Kumbh tragedy. You can present your concerns during the debate," Birla stated, emphasizing the need for maintaining order in the House.
30 Dead, 60 Injured in Maha Kumbh Stampede
According to Vaibhav Krishna, DIG Mahakumbh, the stampede at the Maha Kumbh venue in Prayagraj led to the tragic loss of 30 lives, while at least 60 others were injured. The incident occurred when an overwhelming crowd surged past barricades, vying for space to take a holy dip on the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya.Government Criticizes Disruptions; Opposition Stages Walkout
Despite Speaker Birla's repeated appeals for decorum, the opposition continued its protests throughout the Question Hour (11 AM - 12 Noon), drawing criticism from Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.Condemning the disruptions, Rijiju remarked, "Despite repeated requests from the Speaker, they refuse to listen. Such behavior is detrimental to the proceedings of the House."
As tensions escalated, Speaker Birla emphasized the need for an uninterrupted Question Hour, noting that MPs wait for days to participate in crucial discussions.
"Have the people elected you to disrupt proceedings and raise slogans?" he asked, urging members to let the House function smoothly.
Following the conclusion of Question Hour, opposition members from Congress, DMK, TMC, and SP briefly staged a walkout in protest, only to return later.
The Maha Kumbh stampede has sparked nationwide concern, with opposition parties pressing for accountability and a transparent response from the government. Whether their demands for a formal discussion will be met remains to be seen.
