'Will apologise if ...': Kharge after backlash over 'thousands died in Kumbh' comment

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday paid tribute to the "thousands" who died in the Maha Kumbh stampede, leading to protests from the members of the ruling alliance.

Kharge, the leader of the opposition, quickly added "This is my estimate (and) if this is not right you (the government) should tell what is the truth".

At the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj,  on January 29, during the amrit snan or mauni amavasya - considered an auspicious day for holy dips - killed 30 people and left at least 60 injured because of a stampede, according to the authorities.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Kharge said he would only apologise for his 'thousands' comment if the government gave the figures of how many people died and how many are missing. "I did not say 'thousands' to blame anyone. But how many people died, give that information at least. I will apologise if I am wrong. They should give figures, such as how many died and how many are missing," Kharge said.

Kharge's comment drew large protests from the treasury benches, and Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar asked him to retract his comment.

"The LoP has indicated a scenario using figures to the extent of thousands. I appeal to him, in this house, whatever is spoken, carries great weight. You have spoken something which has numbed everyone," Dhankhar said.

"A message that goes from here, even if it is contradicted, goes to the whole world. Can you go to that extent? I would appeal to you as one of senior most leaders of this country, if you put a figure in thousands I can only appeal to your conscious," he said.

Kharge said he did not mention the figure to blame anyone and will apologise once the government reveals the 'correct' figures.