Opposition Protests in Parliament Over Kumbh Tragedy
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Synopsis
The Budget session of Parliament was marked by loud protests from the Opposition regarding the Maha Kumbh stampede in Prayagraj, which resulted in 30 deaths. They demanded accountability from the Uttar Pradesh government, criticizing the handling of the tragedy and calling for a comprehensive list of victims.
Key Takeaways
- Opposition protests in Parliament regarding Kumbh stampede.
- 30 lives lost in the tragic incident.
- Demands for accountability from Uttar Pradesh government.
- Criticism of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's response.
- Calls for a list of victims and resignation of officials.
New Delhi, Feb 3 (NationPress) The Budget session of Parliament resumed on Monday amidst chaos as the Opposition raised their voices in protest regarding the Maha Kumbh stampede in Prayagraj, which resulted in 30 fatalities.
The Opposition rushed into the Well of the House, chanting slogans such as "Kumbh pe jawab do," demanding accountability from the Uttar Pradesh administration.
They have accused the UP government of hiding the true number of casualties. Furthermore, they have called for a complete list of the deceased, criticizing Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his delay in acknowledging the fatalities following the incident.
Some members of the Opposition even demanded the resignation of the Chief Minister.
In the midst of the uproar, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged members to restore order, holding the Opposition responsible for the disruption.
"The citizens of India did not elect you to disrupt proceedings or shout slogans in Parliament," he stated.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also called for tranquility, emphasizing that the disturbances were obstructing the House's functionality.
Rijiju reiterated his plea on Monday, stating, "I have consistently asked the Opposition not to interfere during Question Hour. This time is designated for members to question the government, not for shouting slogans. The public will question your presence in Parliament if you do not perform your duties."
The uproar was anticipated following similar protests on Saturday when Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025. On that occasion, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav and his colleagues led demonstrations against the government’s response to the Kumbh incident.
After several minutes of chanting, Yadav and his party members staged a symbolic walkout before returning to their seats.
Before the Budget presentation, Yadav told reporters that the loss of life at Kumbh was a more pressing issue than the economic figures in the Budget.
"The government is failing to provide accurate information regarding the deaths and those unaccounted for. Families are wandering around Kumbh with images of their loved ones, searching for them, yet the administration has not compiled adequate data," he remarked.
