PM Modi praises MahaKumbh in LS, Rahul Gandhi rakes up stampede

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lauded the successful conduct of the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, which witnessed the participation of over 66 crore devotees. He expressed gratitude to the people, emphasising that through the idea of ‘Sabka Prayas’ (everyone’s effort), India has presented a remarkable example of unity to the world. Making a statement in the Lok Sabha on Maha Kumbh, PM Modi said, “Today, through this House, I bow down to the crores of countrymen who ensured the successful organisation of the Maha Kumbh. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all government officials, social workers, the people of Uttar Pradesh, and especially the residents of Prayagraj.” Highlighting the importance of water conservation, the Prime Minister said, India has many rivers some of which are endangered. He stressed the need to expand Nadi Utsav taking inspiration from the Maha Kumbh. He said it will teach the importance of water conservation to the new generation. The Prime Minister said, this historic event has dispelled doubts in some quarters about India’s capability. He lauded the people who contributed to the success of Mahakumbh in Prayagraj saying that this historic event has given a lot of inspiration to the countrymen as it was led by the people.

#Live। महाकुंभ में हमने हमारी राष्ट्रीय चेतना के जागरण के विराट दर्शन किए हैं। ये जो राष्ट्रीय चेतना है, ये जो राष्ट्र को नए संकल्पों की ओर ले जाती है, ये नए संकल्पों की सिद्धी के लिए प्रेरित करती है।@narendramodi#MahaKumbh2025 @PMOIndia @myogiadityanath pic.twitter.com/LiukUtPrqq

— SansadTV (@sansad_tv) March 18, 2025

After Modi’s statement, the opposition members created noisy scenes in the House asking under which rule the Prime Minister was allowed to speak. Speaker Om Birla clarified that the rules have provisions that the Prime Minister and Union Ministers can make statements in the House. As the ruckus continued, the Speaker adjourned the House till 1 PM. The 45-day Maha Kumbh, one of the world's largest religious gatherings that takes place after 144 years, culminated on February 26.

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi said PM Modi spoke about the Kumbh, but did not pay tribute to those killed in the January 29 stampede at the gathering. Addressing the media after the Prime Minister's speech in Lok Sabha, Gandhi said, "I wanted to support what the Prime Minister (Modi) said. Kumbh is our tradition, history and culture. Our only complaint is that the Prime Minister did not pay tribute to those who died in Kumbh."