New Delhi, Feb 3 (UNI) A massive controversy erupted in the Rajya Sabha on Monday over Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge’s claims about the death toll in the January 29 stampede in the ongoing Maha Kumbh.
“Before I start my speech, I pay tribute to the people who in thousands lost their lives in Maha Kumbh. If this number is incorrect then you (the government) tell us the correct number. It’s my guess that thousands lost their lives (in a stampede at Kumbh). If it is not correct you state the true number,” Kharge said while participating in the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address
“I am not claiming what is the exact number. I am asking you to declare the number of deaths. If I am wrong, if I am not correct I am ready to do it (withdraw the figure of deaths in Kumbh). …I will apologise if I am wrong. I just want you to give figures about how many people died in the stampede. How many people are still missing?” the Congress President said.
Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar later directed Kharge to substantiate his claims.
The Opposition parties have been protesting in both Houses of Parliament over stampede in Maha Kumbh and demanding a discussion on it ever since the current Budget session started on January 31.
During his speech, Kharge attacked the Modi government over a range of issues including farmers, jobs and price rise.
The senior Congress leader also took on Home Minister Amit Shah for ‘insulting’ BR Ambedkar and demanded his resignation.
