Amid protests by Opposition seeking government to speak on the stampedes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the recent Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj was a defining moment in India’s history, much like the revolt of 1857 and the Dandi March of Mahatma Gandhi that inspired the nation and paved the way for independence.
Making a statement in the Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister said the Maha Kumbh also strengthened the spirit of unity in the country and gave a befitting response to those who questioned India’s collective strength to organise such a large congregation.
Opposition leaders including Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi urged Speaker Om Birla to allow the Opposition members to speak and demanded the inclusion of the stampede deaths in the statement. Lok Sabha adjourned two times due to the protest of Opposition, leading to adjourning for the day around 2pm.
While the Opposition protests going on, Prime Minister Modi said the huge display of unity at the Maha Kumbh was India’s strength, particularly at a time the world was in disarray. “People put aside their egos and gathered in Prayagraj with the feeling of ‘we’ and not ‘I’. The Maha Kumbh demonstrated that there was no distinction between big and small -- it reflected India’s immense strength. It reaffirmed that the profound element of unity is deeply ingrained within us,” he added.
A section of the Opposition also sought to know under what rule the Prime Minister was allowed to speak. Speaker Birla cited Rule 372 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business that allows the Prime Minister and Ministers to make a statement in the House but no questions are permitted after the statement.
Prime Minister Modi said the grand Maha Kumbh witnessed the awakening of national consciousness on a magnificent scale. “The power of our unity is so great that it can shatter any attempt to divide us. This unwavering spirit of oneness is a blessing for every Indian,” he said. Throughout history, there have been defining moments that become examples for generations to come, he added.
“Our nation, too, has witnessed such moments that have given it a new direction and awakened its people … 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,” Modi said.
“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 added. Recalling his recent visit to Mauritius, the prime minister said the atmosphere of devotion, faith and celebration was truly remarkable the moment holy water from the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj was offered at the Ganga Talab.
“This moment reaffirmed how our traditions, culture and values are being embraced and celebrated with great intensity,” Modi said. The Prime Minister said India’s cultural values were seamlessly being passed down from generation to generation. “Look at our modern youth today -- how deeply they connect with the Maha Kumbh and other traditional festivals. The young generation of India is proudly embracing its heritage, faith, and traditions with immense pride and devotion,” Modi said.
The proceedings were earlier adjourned till 1 pm, shortly after Modi made his statement and the opposition members rose in their seats in protest, with Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi apparently urging Speaker Om Birla to allow the opposition members to speak. Amid noisy protests by opposition members demanded asking questions on the statement of Prime Minister on the Maha Kumbh. They also demanded the inclusion of the stampede deaths in the statement.
Members of the Congress, TMC and other opposition parties then stormed the Well, raising slogans, while Samajwadi Party members staged a walkout in protest. Rahul Gandhi told reporters outside Parliament that he also wanted to speak in the House on the issue and pointed out at that PM Modi should have paid homage to those who lost their lives in the January 29 stampede at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj.
“I wanted to support what he was saying. Kumbh is our tradition, history and culture. There was also a complaint that he did not pay homage to those who lost their lives (in the stampede in the Mahakumbh),” Gandhi said. “The other thing I wanted to say is that the youth that went to the Kumbh need another thing from the PM, they need employment. The prime minister should speak on employment,” the Congress leader said.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the opposition should have been allowed to speak in the House. “Opposition also has its sentiments on it and they should not have had any objection to them airing their views,” she said.
