đź“Ť February 3, 2025 – The third day of the Parliament Budget Session 2025 witnessed heated debates and a dramatic walkout by the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha after the Chairman refused to accept notices demanding a discussion on the Maha Kumbh stampede. Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge strongly criticized RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s remark linking freedom to the Ram Mandir, calling it an insult to India’s freedom fighters.
Opposition Walkout Over Maha Kumbh Stampede Discussion
The Opposition parties, including Congress, TMC, DMK, AAP, and Left parties, staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha after Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar rejected their demand for an urgent discussion on the Maha Kumbh stampede incident.
The Opposition MPs argued that the tragic event, which resulted in multiple casualties, needed immediate parliamentary attention. However, the Chairman ruled out the discussion, stating that the government had already taken necessary steps and an official inquiry was underway.
Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the decision, stating:
🗣️ “If Parliament cannot discuss the lives lost in a religious gathering of this scale, then what else is more important? The government is running away from accountability.”
After a brief protest inside the House, Opposition members walked out in protest.
Kharge Slams Bhagwat’s “Freedom After Ram Mandir” Remark
Earlier in the session, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge targeted RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat over his statement that “true freedom has been achieved after the construction of the Ram Mandir.”
Kharge lashed out, calling the remark an insult to the sacrifices of freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, and Subhash Chandra Bose.
🗣️ Kharge said in the Rajya Sabha:
“This statement by Bhagwat is nothing but an insult to the thousands who laid down their lives for our independence. Are you saying that India was not free before the Ram Mandir? This is rewriting history and an attack on our national movement.”
The BJP defended Bhagwat’s remarks, arguing that his words were being misinterpreted and that he was referring to the “spiritual and cultural freedom” of India.
Government’s Response and Next Steps
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman continued presenting the details of the Union Budget 2025-26, while the Opposition’s protest did not deter the government’s legislative agenda.
- Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to address the Maha Kumbh stampede issue in a formal statement later today.
- The Opposition has vowed to continue pressuring the government for a dedicated debate on the issue in the coming days.
đź”´ Stay tuned for more LIVE updates from the Parliament Budget Session 2025.
