New Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI): The Rajya Sabha witnessed a dramatic walkout by opposition parties on Monday after Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar refused to entertain their demand for an immediate discussion on the alleged mismanagement at the Maha Kumbh, where a tragic stampede claimed several lives last week.
During the session, Dhankhar informed the House that he had received nine notices under Rule 267 requesting the suspension of the scheduled business to address urgent matters, including the Maha Kumbh tragedy. Among the leaders submitting these notices were Pramod Tiwari and Digvijaya Singh (Congress), Sagarika Ghose (TMC), Javed Ali and Ramji Lal Suman (Samajwadi Party), and John Brittas (CPI).
Opposition Demands Discussion on Multiple Issues
Apart from the Maha Kumbh stampede, the opposition sought discussions on other pressing concerns, such as:- Rising incidents of disrespect towards the Constitution and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
- Alleged discriminatory and casteist remarks by a Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Opposition Protests and Walkout
Angered by the rejection, opposition MPs from parties including the Congress, SP, DMK, AAP, RJD, CPI, and CPMstaged vociferous protests. Many MPs raised slogans condemning the handling of the Maha Kumbh stampede that occurred on Mauni Amavasya, a day marked by massive religious gatherings, which led to the deaths of at least 30 people. Following the uproar, opposition leaders walked out in protest, while the House continued with its Zero Hourdiscussions.Chairman’s Appeal for Orderly Conduct
Earlier in the day, Dhankhar emphasized the Rajya Sabha’s role as a constitutional milestone and urged MPs to uphold decorum and set an exemplary standard of conduct during proceedings.Despite the walkout, the House proceeded with its agenda, including the scheduled discussion on the 'Motion of Thanks on the President's Address', for which 15 hours had been allocated.
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