- विज्ञापन -
New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh has submitted a suspension of business notice in the Rajya Sabha under Rule 267, calling for a discussion on the Mahakumbh stampede that occurred in Prayagraj on January 29, which resulted in 30 fatalities and left 60 others injured.
In his letter to the Rajya Sabha Secretary-General, Singh criticized the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government, claiming that the “tragic” incident stemmed from mismanagement and a culture favoring VIPs. He highlighted that the Rs 7,500 crore budget for the event was poorly allocated.
Singh noted that the Mahakumbh, one of the largest religious gatherings globally, has experienced its sixth deadly stampede in the past 70 years. He pointed out that while luxury accommodations and private facilities were provided for VIPs, ordinary pilgrims faced overcrowded conditions and inadequate access.
According to Singh, eyewitnesses reported that pilgrims had urged police to open additional routes before the stampede, but their pleas went unheeded. He expressed concern over the exorbitant price of a VIP pass, which was Rs 55,000, questioning the value placed on the lives lost in the tragedy.
He emphasized that despite over 340 million devotees participating by February 3, security measures were insufficient, allowing VIPs to navigate easily while regular attendees faced dangerous situations. Singh called for an immediate discussion on this issue in the Rajya Sabha.
In other parliamentary proceedings, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj is expected to present a statement in the Rajya Sabha regarding the government’s actions on the observations and recommendations from the 29th report of the Standing Committee on External Affairs, which addresses India’s policy planning and the role of think tanks. Additionally, she will table a statement on the government’s response to the 13th report concerning India’s Neighbourhood First Policy.
In the Lok Sabha, MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy will present the first report on ‘Demands for Grants’ (2024-25) for the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, as well as for the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation.
