Congress Says Rahul Gandhi ‘Denied’ Chance To Speak After PM Modi’s ‘Mahakumbh’ Speech; BJP Cites Rules

Last Updated:March 18, 2025, 16:53 IST

Congress Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also voiced her concern over the lack of opportunity for the Opposition to express their views

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (PTI file photos)

The Congress Party on Tuesday accused the central government of denying Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi the chance to speak after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address on the Mahakumbh.

Rahul Gandhi, leading the criticism, condemned PM Modi for not paying homage to the victims who lost their lives at the grand festival in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj last month.

In a statement to the media following the Prime Minister’s speech, Gandhi stressed the absence of a “democratic structure” that should allow the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) the opportunity to respond.

“We support what the PM said, Kumbh is our history and culture. Our only complaint is that the PM did not give Shraddhanjali to those who lost their lives in Kumbh. The youth who went to the Maha Kumbh also wants one more thing from the PM, which is employment… As per the democratic structure, the LoP should get an opportunity to speak, but they won’t let us. This is new India,” Gandhi said.

Congress Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also voiced her concern over the lack of opportunity for the Opposition to express their views.

“The Opposition also should have been given a chance to present their point because the Opposition also has sentiments towards it (Mahakumbh) and they should not have any problem if we expressed ourselves,” Vadra noted.

Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal questioned PM Modi’s sudden statement about the Mahakumbh in the Lok Sabha. “Without informing the House, suddenly the PM came and made a statement about Kumbh. What is the secrecy behind it?” he questioned.

Venugopal further criticised the denial of the opportunity for the LoP to speak, highlighting that it went against the democratic traditions of the House. “The Leader of the Opposition also wanted to contribute. It is the tradition of the House. This is totally undemocratic,” he said.

BJP’s response 

In response to Congress’s accusations, BJP leader and Union Minister Giriraj Singh defended the government’s actions, claiming that Rahul Gandhi did not understand the “rules of the Lok Sabha”.

Singh further pointed out: “When the Prime Minister or the Minister addresses the house, no one is allowed to ask questions about that. He was told about that, but still, he makes these kinds of statements just for the media.”

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Modi’s Mahakumbh Address

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Mahakumbh 2025 for strengthening the spirit of unity in the country and providing a fitting response to those who had questioned India’s ability to organise such a large-scale event.

“We witnessed the enthusiasm and excitement of the Mahakumbh in India for about one and a half months. The way millions of devotees came together with devotion, rising above the concerns of convenience and inconvenience, is our greatest strength,” Modi said during his speech in the Lok Sabha.

Modi further stated that the success of the festival was a result of the contributions of countless people from the government and society.

The Mahakumbh, the world’s largest gathering, concluded in Prayagraj on Maha Shivratri, marking the final day of the festival on February 26.