Uproar in Parliament over Kumbh stampede; opposition MPs walk out
What's the story
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's 2025 budget presentation faced intense opposition from the moment it began in Parliament on Saturday. The protests were spearheaded by Samajwadi Party MPs, including former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, who called for a discussion on the recent Maha Kumbh stampede tragedy that happened on January 29.
Accusations
Opposition accuses government of politicizing Mahakumbh
The opposition has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government of politicizing the Maha Kumbh congregation and promoting VIP culture at the expense of common people. Thousands had gathered for a holy dip in the Ganga river on 'Mauni Amavasya' when the incident happened. In response to these accusations, some opposition members staged a walkout from Parliament as a form of protest.
Session details
Budget session agenda and opposition's strategic move
The budget session will be held from January 31 to February 13, with a recess before reconvening from March 10 to April 4. The government has listed 16 Bills for the session, including amendments to laws on Waqf, Banking, Railways, Disaster Management, Oilfields, and Immigration and Foreigners Bill. The stampede had occurred at Sangam, Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh on January 29, killing 30.