Opposition Expected to Address Maha Kumbh Stampede

 

Opposition Expected to Address Maha Kumbh Stampede

Opposition factions have requested conversations regarding several matters, including inconsistencies in the functioning of the Waqf Joint Parliamentary Committee, the Kumbh incident, and the recent draft guidelines from the UGC.

As the Budget session approaches on Friday, it seems poised for a heated debate, with the Opposition preparing to challenge the government on various topics, particularly the suggested Waqf (Amendment) Bill, the Maha Kumbh stampede, and the declining economic situation.

During the all-party meeting led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday, representatives from the Opposition requested discussions on multiple issues, which included the procedural irregularities observed in the Waqf Joint Parliamentary Committee’s actions, the Kumbh incident, and the new guidelines drafted by the UGC.

On Friday, President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to address the combined gathering of both Houses, with the Budget set to be introduced on Saturday.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju mentioned that the first phase of the session will wrap up on February 13, following discussions on the Motion of Thanks regarding the President’s Address and a general overview of the Budget. The second phase will commence on March 10 and conclude on April 4.

In relation to the discussion concerning the stampede, Rijiju stated the committee would make the determination. “Numerous significant matters are on the table. The Kumbh incident has been noted,” he remarked.

Present at the meeting were Congress members Jairam Ramesh, Kodikunnil Suresh, Gaurav Gogoi, along with Left representatives John Brittas, P Sandosh Kumar, and TMC members Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Derek O’Brien.

Several opposition MPs voiced their concerns about the “bulldozing” of the Waqf committee’s procedures by its chairman, as well as the dismissive treatment they received. They described the Joint Parliamentary Committee proceedings as a “mockery of democracy and a farcical exercise.”

According to sources, Ramgopal Yadav from the Samajwadi Party talked about the Uttar Pradesh government’s ineffective management of arrangements in Prayagraj, claiming it had not reported the death toll.

Opposition MPs further stated that the makeup of standing committees favors the BJP. “A total of 29 BJP members have been assigned multiple roles in standing committees,” Brittas reportedly mentioned.