Uproar in RS as Kharge says ‘thousands dead in Kumbh’
The lack of clarity over the number of pilgrims killed in the January 29 stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj came back to haunt the BJP government, with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday suggesting that “thousands” may have died in the tragedy.
Participating in the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address in the Rajya Sabha, Kharge began his speech by paying homage to the “thousands” who, he claimed, had died in the Kumbh stampede.
Kharge, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, later clarified that this was his estimate and urged the government to disclose the actual figures. “I did not say ‘thousands’ to blame anyone. But at least provide the correct information on the number of deaths. If I am wrong, I will apologise,” he said, demanding details on casualties and missing persons.
According to the Uttar Pradesh Government, 30 people were killed and 60 injured in the January 29 tragedy. However, the state is yet to release specific details about those who lost their lives.
Kharge’s remarks triggered a sharp protest from ruling party members. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said Kharge’s statement could damage India’s international image. Goyal also pointed out that 800 people had died in a Kumbh Mela stampede in 1956 when Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister.
SC junks PIL seeking action against UP officials
The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a PIL seeking action against Uttar Pradesh officials for alleged lapses on their part that led to a stampede at the world’s largest religious gathering — Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj —where 30 pilgrims died and over 60 got injured in a stampede on January 29. The PIL filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari had also sought directions for measures to ensure safety and security of people attending Maha Kumbh.
Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar intervened, urging Kharge to withdraw his statement. “The LoP has cited figures in the thousands. In this House, every word carries weight. Even if contradicted later, such remarks send a message to the entire world. I appeal to your conscience,” Dhankhar said, calling it a “very sad moment”.
Kharge, however, stood his ground, insisting that the government should reveal the true numbers before he reconsidered his statement.
Earlier in the day, Opposition parties staged a walkout during Zero Hour after Dhankhar declined to entertain their notices seeking a discussion on the Kumbh tragedy.
Seven Opposition MPs, including Congress leaders Pramod Tiwari and Digvijay Singh, Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghosh, Samajwadi Party’s Ramji Lal Suman and CPM’s John Britas, had submitted notices under Rule 267 for an adjournment motion on the issue.
The protesting MPs remained absent during Question Hour as well. Dhankhar called their absence “painful”, saying Opposition members were expected to use Question Hour to hold the government accountable.