Parliament Budget Session: Opposition Raises Mahakumbh Stampede Issue, Mallikarjun Kharge Criticizes Government
Today (February 3) marks the second day of the Budget Session of Parliament. Both Houses witnessed intense debates, with the ruling party and the opposition exchanging allegations over the stampede incident at the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
As soon as the Rajya Sabha session began, opposition MPs raised the issue and demanded a discussion on the tragedy. However, their demand was not accepted, leading to sloganeering in the House.
Mallikarjun Kharge Questions Stampede Death Toll
During the session, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge aggressively raised various issues, including the Mahakumbh Mela stampede. He expressed doubts about the official death toll, which led to a heated exchange between him and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar.
“How many people actually died in the Mahakumbh Mela stampede? The true figures are not being revealed,” Kharge demanded an answer from the government.
What Did Mallikarjun Kharge Say?
Speaking in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge said:
“Many people lost their lives in the stampede at the Mahakumbh Mela. If my statement is wrong, tell me the truth. Reveal the actual death toll. What is the real situation? At least share this information. If I am wrong, I will apologize,” Kharge stated.
Following this, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar also responded to his remarks.
“The Government Is Only Making False Promises” – Kharge’s Attack on the Budget
Criticizing the Union Budget, Kharge slammed the central government’s policies on farmers and accused them of making false promises:
“What has the central government given to the farmers in this budget? Nothing but false promises. Instead of empty assurances, it should take real action. Taking a dip in the Ganges does not eliminate poverty or fill an empty stomach. The government must provide food to the poor.”
Kharge further attacked the government on farmer suicides, stating:
“In the last 10 years, more than one lakh farmers have committed suicide across the country. Who is responsible for this? Does development only happen after the poor die? Increasing the credit limit will only increase farmers’ debt. How does the government plan to help them? Where are the subsidies? Where is the MSP (Minimum Support Price) for farmers?”
Blaming the government for rising taxes and lack of support for farmers, he said:
“Taxes are being levied on everything, yet the government calls itself ‘pro-farmer.’ The truth is, the government does not understand farmers’ struggles. Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not understand the suffering of farmers,” Kharge declared.
