Thu Jan 30 21:52:06 IST 2025: ## Opposition Demands Parliament Debate on Maha Kumbh Stampede

**New Delhi, January 30, 2025** – Opposition parties are demanding a parliamentary discussion on the tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela, criticizing the government for withholding information and prioritizing VIP visits over crowd control. The call came during an all-party meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday.

Opposition leaders accused the Uttar Pradesh government of a 17-hour delay in acknowledging the severity of the situation and focusing on VIP visits instead of ensuring pilgrim safety. They slammed the ruling BJP for prioritizing appearances over the well-being of millions of pilgrims. While Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the Business Advisory Committee will decide on the parliamentary agenda, he offered no assurances of a debate.

Several parties, including the Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Azad Samaj Party, and Congress, voiced their concerns, demanding a resolution expressing condolences for the victims. Concerns were also raised about the government’s handling of Parliament itself, with accusations of curtailed opposition voices and a lack of bipartisanship in parliamentary committees. The Congress highlighted the rejection of all opposition amendments to the Waqf Bill as evidence of this. Further grievances included arbitrary seat changes in the Lok Sabha and reduced parliamentary sitting days. Even NDA allies expressed concerns, seeking more time to raise their issues and requesting extensions on committee tenures. Other parties raised issues concerning funding disparities between states and unfulfilled promises from the central government.

The budget session, commencing February 1st with the President’s address, will include 16 bills, among them the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Immigration and Foreigners Bill. The session is scheduled to conclude on April 4th.

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