"Not a single word was spoken about those who lost their lives": Gaurav Gogoi on PM Modi's address on Maha Kumbh in Lok Sabha

New Delhi [India], March 18 (ANI): Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Tuesday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address in the Lok Sabha on the Maha Kumbh and said that it was "truly saddening"that the PM did not spoke a "single word" about those who lost their lives in the stampede last January.
"What is truly saddening is that not a single word was spoken about those who lost their lives in the crowds at the Kumbh. Our tradition dictates that when someone passes away, we offer condolences and express our sympathy to the grieving families. But today, the Prime Minister did not mention the names of those who lost their lives, nor did he express any condolences," Gogoi told ANI.
Notably, 30 people reportedly lost their lives at the stampede that occurred on the occasion of the Mauni Amavasya bathing ritual on January 29 at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.
Further Gogoi also mentioned that the Opposition leaders also wanted to speak on the Maha Kumbh but were denied permission.
"This morning, the Prime Minister expressed his thoughts and emotions regarding the Kumbh. Leaders of the opposition also wanted to share their sentiments about the Kumbh and had been repeatedly requesting an opportunity to speak. However, once again, we witnessed the opposition's voice being silenced," he said.
"When opposition leader Rahul Gandhi stood up to speak, he was ignored, and leaders from various opposition parties were also not given the chance to express their views. Does the opposition have the right to express their reverence for the Kumbh, or is this right reserved only for Prime Minister Modi?" the Congress MP asked.
Earlier today, the Prime Minister commended the successful organisation of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, attributing its success to the dedication of the public, administration, and devotees across the country and highlighting the collective efforts that contributed to the grand event.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, PM Modi expressed deep gratitude towards the people of Uttar Pradesh, especially Prayagraj for their efforts in hosting the event, calling the Maha Kumbh a symbol of India's growing national consciousness.
"I am here to make a statement on the Maha Kumbh held in Prayagraj. I want to thank the public and administration for the successful organisation of the MahaKumbh. The success of the Maha Kumbh 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," PM Modi said. (ANI)