Chaos in Parliament Over Maha Kumbh Stampede
The Indian Parliament witnessed intense chaos today as the Budget Session resumed. The Opposition raised slogans and demanded answers from the government about the tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela. The disaster, which occurred during the second ‘Amrit Snan’ on January 29, claimed the lives of 30 people, according to official reports. However, the Opposition believes the actual number of casualties is much higher.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju urged lawmakers to allow the session to continue without disruptions, but tensions remained high.
Opposition Demands Answers on Maha Kumbh Tragedy
The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, saw a deadly stampede last week. Opposition leaders insist that the government provide a complete list of victims and clarify the circumstances that led to the incident.
Key Demands from the Opposition:
- A transparent investigation into the stampede.
- A complete list of those who lost their lives.
- Proper compensation for the families of victims.
- Strict measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Despite these demands, the ruling party has assured that an inquiry is underway, but this has not satisfied the Opposition.
Government’s Response to the Stampede
The Union Government has defended its handling of the situation, stating that all necessary precautions were taken to manage the large crowd. However, the tragedy still occurred, raising concerns about safety measures at the Kumbh Mela.
Government’s Key Points:
- Officials are working to verify the exact number of casualties.
- Medical aid and relief efforts were provided immediately after the incident.
- A high-level committee has been set up to investigate the cause of the stampede.
- Future Kumbh Mela events will have improved crowd management systems.
While the government has assured better safety in the future, Opposition leaders continue to press for accountability.
Political Tensions in Parliament
The Budget Session 2025 started amid heavy protest, with opposition members shouting slogans like “Kumbh pe jawab do” (Give answers on Kumbh). They accused the government of hiding the real number of casualties and mismanaging the event.
Major Issues Raised in Parliament:
- Failure of the administration to control the crowd.
- Lack of coordination between local authorities and security forces.
- Need for better medical emergency services at such large-scale events.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju appealed to all MPs to allow the Union Budget discussions to proceed without disruptions. However, protests continued throughout the session.
Impact of the Stampede on Public Sentiment
The Maha Kumbh Mela is a deeply significant event in India, attracting millions of devotees. The tragic stampede has raised concerns about safety, crowd control, and government accountability.
Public Reactions:
- Many religious leaders and citizens have expressed sadness over the incident.
- Families of victims are demanding justice and financial compensation.
- Social media is flooded with questions about better crowd management at religious events.
The tragedy has also brought attention to the role of government policies and safety regulations at massive public gatherings.
What Happens Next?
The Maha Kumbh stampede has sparked a major political debate in India. As the investigation continues, the government must focus on improving safety measures at such events to prevent future disasters.
Meanwhile, with the Budget Session 2025 underway, discussions on income tax slabs in the Union Budget 2025 and other key issues are also expected to take center stage. However, the stampede remains a top concern for both the Opposition and the public.
