Opposition Demands Two-Minute Silence for Stampede Victims; BJP Calls PM’s Speech ‘Inspiring’
New Delhi, February 5: Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech in the Lok Sabha, accusing the BJP-led government of ignoring demands for a two-minute silence for the victims of the January 29 Maha Kumbh stampede.
The SP also alleged that the government is concealing the true number of missing people following the tragic incident at the religious gathering.
Akhilesh Yadav Slams Government’s Response
Speaking to reporters, Akhilesh Yadav expressed his disappointment with the central government’s handling of the tragedy and accused it of being indifferent to the loss of lives.
“It is unfortunate that when such a big incident occurred at Kumbh, not only the opposition but the whole world witnessed it. The government is hiding the numbers of missing people and deaths. We even demanded a two-minute silence, but no one cared about it. The government is not bothered about the loss of lives. They (central government) don’t care whether poor people live or die,” Yadav said.
BJP Defends PM Modi’s Speech, Calls It ‘Inspiring’
Responding to the opposition’s criticism, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defended PM Modi, describing his speech as “inspiring” and “factual.”
“PM Modi very nicely presented his thoughts in front of the House. The speech was inspiring. He spoke facts… Everyone agrees with the PM… the country agrees with him,” Rijiju said.
TMC Expresses Displeasure
Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Saugata Roy also expressed dissatisfaction with PM Modi’s address, accusing him of dodging questions related to the Maha Kumbh deaths.
“I am very unhappy with the Prime Minister’s speech today. He made a speech which is a repetition of the President’s speech, but he did not reply to the questions raised about the number of deaths in Kumbh, and the situation in Bangladesh,” Roy stated.
PM Modi’s Vision for ‘Viksit Bharat’
Despite criticism from the opposition, PM Modi highlighted his government’s long-term vision for India, emphasizing that President Droupadi Murmu’s address will strengthen the country’s resolve for “Viksit Bharat” and inspire citizens.
“We are in 2025. In a way, 25 per cent of the 21st century has gone by. Only time will decide what happened after independence in the 20th century and the first 25 years of the 21st century. But if we minutely study the President’s Address, it is clear that she spoke about building trust among people regarding the coming 25 years and Viksit Bharat. Her Address strengthens the resolve of Viksit Bharat, builds new confidence and inspires the common people,” PM Modi said in his Lok Sabha speech.
The debate on the motion of thanks on the President’s Address began on Monday, with several members actively participating in the discussion.