Maha Kumbh awakened nation like Dandi; Opposition questions silence on stampede: PM Modi

The Prime Minister’s suo motu statement in Lok Sabha, however, did not mention the stampede during the event in Prayagraj in which at least 30 people were killed, triggering protests by the Opposition leading to adjournment of the House.

Speaking to reporters after he was disallowed from responding to Modi’s remarks in the House by Speaker Om Birla citing rules, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said the Prime Minister did not “pay homage” to those who died in the stampede or address the larger issue of unemployment which, he asserted, the youth who attended the Maha Kumbh wanted from him.

In his statement, Modi said, “We have witnessed the awakening of our national consciousness on a magnificent scale in the grand Mahakumbh. This national consciousness is what drives our country toward new resolutions and inspires us to achieve them. The Mahakumbh has also provided a fitting response to the doubts and uncertainties that some may have had regarding our collective strength.”

He said, “Last year, during the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, we all experienced how the nation is preparing itself for the next 1,000 years. Just a year later, the successful organisation of the Maha Kumbh has further reinforced this belief. This collective consciousness of the nation reflects its immense strength.”

Modi said India had witnessed such defining moments in the past, too.

“During the Bhakti movement, we saw a spiritual awakening spread across the country. More than a century ago, when Swami Vivekananda delivered his speech in Chicago, it was a resounding declaration of Bharat’s spiritual consciousness, instilling a deep sense of self-respect among Indians. Similarly, our freedom struggle was marked by several such turning points — the Revolt of 1857, the martyrdom of Veer Bhagat Singh, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s clarion call of “Delhi Chalo,” and Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi March. These events inspired the nation and paved the way for Independence. I see the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh as another such defining moment, where we can see the reflection of an awakened nation,” he said.

Declaring that one of the “greatest gifts” of the Maha Kumbh was the “nectar of unity”, he said, “It was an event where people from every region, every corner of the country, came together as one… When people speaking various languages chant ‘Har Har Gange’ on the banks of the Sangam, it manifests the essence of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ and strengthens unity. It reaffirmed that the profound element of unity is deeply ingrained within us. The power of our unity is so great that it can overcome any attempt to divide us… At a time when the world is witnessing fragmentation, this grand display of solidarity is our greatest strength.”

As Modi concluded his speech, Rahul Gandhi rose to intervene but was disallowed by the Speaker, leading to protests by Opposition members and adjournment of the House. The protests continued when the House reassembled after 30 minutes, leading to adjournment for the day.

Gandhi later told reporters that he wanted to speak in support of what Modi was saying. “They don’t allow anyone to speak. Under the democratic structure, the LoP should be given a chance to speak, but they don’t. This is new India,” he said.

Targeting the Prime Minister, Gandhi said he “didn’t pay homage to those who died” during the religious congregation.

“What the Prime Minister said, I wanted to support it. Kumbh is our tradition, history and culture. I had one complaint that he didn’t pay homage to those who died… The second thing I wanted to say is that there is a place for Kumbh, but those youth who went to Kumbh want another thing from the Prime Minister — they want employment, and the PM should have spoken about it,” he said.

Echoing his party leader, Congress Deputy Leader in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi said the Government was adamant in not letting the Opposition speak. “A Parliament where only the Prime Minister and his Ministers speak is not a functioning Parliament. Parliament belongs to the people of India and all parties must be allowed to have their say,” he said.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the Opposition had “sentiments” regarding Maha Kumbh and should have “been allowed to speak for two minutes”. “He (PM) was speaking optimistically on the Maha Kumbh. The Opposition should have been given a chance to present their point because the Opposition also has sentiments towards it (Maha Kumbh),” she said.

Other Opposition parties, too, attacked the Government on the issue.

According to TMC’s Rajya Sabha leader Derek O’Brien, Modi’s statement was a “damage-control speech” aimed at distracting attention from issues, such as trade tariffs imposed by the US. “He is in damage-control mode in the international scenario… He wants his MPs to do ‘tareef (praise)’ but Trump has imposed tariffs,” O’Brien said.

“Why were members of the Opposition not allowed to seek clarifications? There are enough precedents to suggest that in both Houses, when a Minister makes a statement, some clarifications can be asked… Parliament is not ‘Mann ki Baat’, it is a two-way communication,” he said.

(With Asad Rehman, New Delhi)