Should have offered condolences: Rahul Gandhi reacts to PM Modi's speech on Maha Kumbh

Rahul Gandhi

Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's addressed Lok Sabha on the intrinsic importance of Maha Kumb to India's culture, Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi questioned PM's address, saying while the Congress supports his remarks on India’s cultural heritage, the PM failed to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the event.

Speaking to reporters in the Parliament complex, the Congress scion also took the opportunity to highlight unemployment concerns, asserting that young people who attended the Maha Kumbh expect more than just praise —they need jobs. “The youth who went to the Maha Kumbh also wants one more thing from the PM, which is employment,” he stated.

Taking a dig at the government over restrictions on the Opposition’s voice in Parliament, Gandhi remarked, “As per the democratic structure, the LoP should get an opportunity to speak, but they won’t let us. This is new India.”

Speaking on PM Modi’s statement that the Maha Kumbh reflects India’s unity and strength, Gandhi said, “We support what the PM said, Kumbh is our history and culture. Our only complaint is that the PM did not give shraddhanjali to those who lost their lives in Kumbh.”

Furthermore, Reacting to PM's speech, Congress Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said that the Opposition has sentiments towards Maha Kumbh they should have also been allowed to speak for two minutes. "He was speaking optimistically on the Maha Kumbh... The Opposition also should have been given a chance to present their point because the Opposition also has sentiments towards it (Maha Kumbh) and they should not have any problem if we expressed ourselves... The Opposition should have also been allowed to speak for two minutes," Priyanka Gandhi told reporters.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi commended the successful organisation of the MahaKumbh in Prayagraj, attributing its success to the dedication of the public, administration, and devotees across the country and highlighted the collective efforts that contributed to the grand event.

"I am here to make a statement on the MahaKumbh held in Prayagraj. I want to thank the public and administration for the successful organisation of the MahaKumbh. The success of the MahaKumbh is the result of the efforts of various people. I want to thank everyone: the country's devotees, the public of UP, especially the people of Prayagraj. We all know that strenuous efforts took place to bring Ganga to earth; similar efforts have been taken to hold the grand Mahakumbh," said PM Modi.