The Opposition parties launched a scathing attack on the ruling BJP in Parliament on Monday, holding the Uttar Pradesh government responsible for the recent stampede deaths at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj. The Opposition accused Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s administration of being “anti-Sanatan” and demanded accountability for the tragedy.
The Lok Sabha witnessed chaotic scenes as Opposition MPs demanded a detailed discussion on the stampede, considered a major tragedy at one of Hinduism’s largest and most significant gatherings. They also called for a complete list of the deceased and injured. Opposition leaders alleged negligence and mismanagement during the Mahakumbh event and questioned the accuracy of the official death toll provided by the state government.
According to the Uttar Pradesh government, 30 people lost their lives, and over 60 others were injured in the early-morning stampede. However, independent news outlets have published visuals suggesting a large-scale cover-up, hinting that the actual death toll could be significantly higher. In one such instance, the family of a woman from Bengal, who died in the stampede, claimed that her body was returned without a proper death certificate.
The stampede became the focal point in the Lok Sabha on Monday, marking the first session after the President’s address to a joint sitting and the presentation of the Union Budget for 2025–26. Led by Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi and K.C. Venugopal, Opposition MPs vociferously demanded an immediate discussion on the tragedy. They also called for the suspension of the Question Hour to address the matter urgently.
The protests intensified as Opposition members stormed the Well of the House, shouting slogans such as “Sanatan virodhi sarkar istifa do” (Step down, anti-Sanatan government). The Speaker of the House, Om Birla, repeatedly urged members to maintain decorum and refrain from damaging tables during their demonstrations. “People elect you to raise issues and ask questions, not to disrupt proceedings,” he remarked.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju condemned the uproar and expressed hope for a peaceful Question Hour. “The Speaker has made repeated appeals, but the Opposition refuses to listen,” he said. Despite the appeals, the protests persisted, with Opposition MPs insisting on a comprehensive list of those who died in the stampede.
Speaker Birla advised members to raise the issue during the debate on the motion of thanks for the President’s address, noting that the tragedy had already been acknowledged by the President. He emphasized the importance of the Question Hour for discussing key issues and urged members to allow the session to proceed without disruptions.
“Members wait for days to participate in the Question Hour. It is crucial for the smooth functioning of the House,” Birla said. He proposed a resolution to ensure no disruptions during the Question Hour, suggesting that other matters be addressed during Zero Hour, which begins afternoon.
Despite these efforts, the Opposition protests continued throughout the Question Hour, which lasted from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. The session managed to address 18 questions, slightly fewer than the usual 20 listed for oral responses.
Following the Question Hour, members of the Congress, DMK, TMC, and SP briefly staged a walkout before returning to the House later. The Opposition’s demand for accountability over the Mahakumbh tragedy remains a contentious issue, with further debates expected in the coming days.
