Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday put up a condition for apologising over his remark stating that “thousands died” in the stampede at Maha Kumbh mela in Prayagraj on January 29.
The tragedy took place in the early hours of January 29 ahead of the amrit snan or mauni amawasya, considered an auspicious day for holy dips. According to official data, 30 people were killed in the stampede while 60 were injured.
However, Kharge seemingly did not accept the official death toll saying that the “thousand deaths” at the religious congregation was his estimate.
“I pay my tributes to the people who died in Maha Kumbh… the thousands who died in Kumbh,” he said, sparking protests by members of the ruling alliance.
“This is my estimate and if this is not right, you [government] should tell what is the truth,” the Congress president said.
“I did not say ‘thousands’ to blame anyone. But how many people died, give that information at least. I will apologise if I am wrong. They should give figures, how many died, how many are missing,” he added.
The LoP’s comment drew ire from the treasury benches while Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar asked Kharge to retract his statement saying whatever he said “carries great weight.”
“A message that goes from here, even if it is contradicted, goes to the whole world. Can you go to that extent? I would appeal to you as one of the senior-most leaders of this country, if you put a figure in thousands, I can only appeal to your conscience,” Dhankar said.
The Congress-led opposition has been criticising the BJP government at the Centre and in Utar Pradesh of not paying enough attention towards the safety of devotees at Maha Kumbh on certain auspicious days when the footfall swells to large extent.
