The walkout by opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha on Monday over the refusal to discuss the Maha Kumbh stampede issue highlighted the growing political tensions surrounding the tragedy.
The incident, in which at least 30 people tragically lost their lives, occurred during the Mauni Amavasya, a significant day during the Maha Kumbh festival.
The opposition MPs, including those from Congress, Samajwadi Party, TMC, and CPI, demanded an immediate discussion on the stampede and the alleged mismanagement surrounding the event.
However, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar did not approve their request, which led to the walkout.
During the session, Dhankhar acknowledged the notices under Rule 267 submitted by various MPs, requesting the suspension of the listed business to address issues such as the stampede and other pressing matters.
These notices came from MPs like Pramod Tiwari, Digvijaya Singh, Sagarika Ghose, Javed Ali, and others.
In addition to the stampede, there were demands for a discussion on other issues, including incidents of disrespect towards the Constitution and controversial statements made by Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Despite the requests, Dhankhar decided to proceed with the Zero Hour, during which members are allowed to raise issues with the chair's permission.
His refusal to accept the notices led to vociferous protests from the opposition MPs, who raised slogans in an attempt to draw attention to the stampede issue. After their demands were not met, they staged a walkout, and the House continued with the scheduled Zero Hour discussions.
In his opening address, Dhankhar stressed the importance of the Rajya Sabha as a milestone in the country's constitutional journey, marking the beginning of the 267th session.
He expressed gratitude to the founding fathers of the Constitution, whose foresight shaped India's democratic journey. The session holds special significance as it marks the approach towards the 75th year of India's Constitution adoption, which occurred on November 26, 1949.
Dhankhar emphasised the nation's achievements over the years, from digital innovation to space exploration, while maintaining a connection to its cultural heritage.
He urged members to work towards a "Viksit Bharat" (developed India) by 2047, aligning their efforts with the aspirations of the people.
The Chairman reminded members of their responsibility as "guardians of constitutional values" and as representatives of the public, particularly the youth who are the future of the nation.
The Maha Kumbh stampede tragedy is likely to remain a focal point in the upcoming discussions. Opposition leaders, particularly Swati Maliwal, have been vocal in their criticism of the government's response to such events.
Many have questioned the allocation of funds for the safety and management of large-scale religious events, given the deaths caused by the stampede.
Dhankhar’s speech also touched on the significance of unity in diversity, using the Maha Kumbh as an example of India's spiritual and cultural ethos. He reminded MPs of the importance of cooperation and dignity in their deliberations, and how their decisions should serve the nation’s well-being.
The House is set to take up the 'Motion of Thanks on the President's Address,' with 15 hours allocated for discussions on the issue. Despite the opposition's walkout, the government's agenda continues, with ongoing discussions on various important matters.
However, the opposition’s protest over the stampede remains a critical issue that is likely to be revisited in the coming sessions, especially with elections approaching.
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