New Delhi: After Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the Lok Sabha on successful conclusion of Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi said he supported what the former had said about Kumbh but had a complaint that the PM didn’t pay tribute to the lives lost during the congregation.
“We support what the PM said, Kumbh is our history and culture. Our only complaint is that the PM did not give Shraddhanjali to those who lost their lives in Kumbh. The youth who went to the Maha Kumbh also wants one more thing from the PM, which is employment… As per the democratic structure, the LoP should get an opportunity to speak, but they won’t let us. This is new India,” he told reporters.
#WATCH | Delhi: On PM Modi’s address in the Lok Sabha on Maha Kumbh, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi says, “We support what the PM said, Kumbh is our history and culture. Our only complaint is that the PM did not give Shraddhanjali to those who lost their lives in Kumbh. The youth who… pic.twitter.com/aTOb3Jq3q3
— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2025
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also reacted to the PM’s speech. “He (Modi) was speaking optimistically on the Maha Kumbh… The Opposition also should have been given a chance to present their point because the Opposition also has sentiments towards it (Maha Kumbh) and they should not have any problem if we expressed ourselves… The Opposition should have also been allowed to speak for two minutes…” she added.
#WATCH | Delhi | On PM Modi’s address in Lok Sabha on Maha Kumbh, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says, “He was speaking optimistically on the Maha Kumbh… The Opposition also should have been given a chance to present their point because the Opposition also has sentiments… pic.twitter.com/LfDtAOgcar
— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2025
Here’s what the Prime Minister said today
Addressing the Lok Sabha, the PM extended his heartfelt salutations to the countless citizens of the nation, whose efforts ensured the grand success of the Mahakumbh. Highlighting the collective contributions of various individuals and groups in making the Mahakumbh a success, he acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of the government, society, and all dedicated workers involved. He noted that the Mahakumbh showcased India’s grandeur to the world. “Mahakumbh is a manifestation of the collective resolve, devotion, and dedication of the people, inspired by their unwavering faith”, he added.
The Prime Minister remarked on the profound awakening of national consciousness witnessed during the Mahakumbh, highlighting how this consciousness propels the nation towards new resolutions and inspires their fulfillment. He emphasized that the Mahakumbh effectively addressed doubts and apprehensions held by some regarding the nation’s capabilities.
#WATCH | Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “I stand here to speak on Prayagraj’s Maha Kumbh. I congratulate crores of countrymen because of whom the Maha Kumbh could be organised successfully. Many people contributed to the success of the Maha Kumbh… I thank the people… pic.twitter.com/YJIuMyZpJw
— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2025
Highlighting the transformative journey of the nation, drawing a parallel between the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya last year and the Mahakumbh this year, Modi remarked that these events reinforce the nation’s readiness for the next millennium. He emphasized that the collective consciousness of the nation reflects its immense potential. He noted that pivotal moments in a nation’s history, much like in human history, serve as examples for generations to come.
#WATCH | Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “… Last year, during the Pran Pratishtha of the Ram Temple, we saw how the country was preparing itself for the next 1000 years. This thought was strengthened even more during the Maha Kumbh… The country’s collective… pic.twitter.com/MpQnewWO24
— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2025
“Prayagraj Mahakumbh a milestone like Swami Vivekanand’s Chicago speech, Swadeshi movement….”
Modi reflected on India’s historical milestones that awakened the nation and provided new direction, citing the spiritual resurgence during the Swadeshi movement, Swami Vivekananda’s iconic speech in Chicago, and key moments in India’s freedom struggle, such as the 1857 uprising, Bhagat Singh’s martyrdom, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s “Delhi Chalo” call, and Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi March. “Prayagraj Mahakumbh is a similarly significant milestone, symbolizing the awakened spirit of the nation”, he added.
#WATCH | Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “… I emphasised the importance of ‘Sabka Sath Sab ka Vikas’ from the Red Fort. The entire world saw India’s grandeur in the form of Maha Kumbh… We witness a national awakening in the Maha Kumbh, which would inspire new… pic.twitter.com/HQm9JQT9y0
— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2025
“..carried sacred water from Triveni, Prayagraj to Mauritius…”
Citing his recent visit to Mauritius, where he carried sacred water from Triveni, Prayagraj, collected during the Mahakumbh, Prime Minister mentioned the profound atmosphere of devotion and celebration when the holy water was offered at Mauritius’ Ganga Talao. He emphasized that this reflects the growing spirit of embracing, celebrating, and preserving India’s traditions, culture, and values.
“When a society takes pride in its heritage, it creates grand and inspiring moments, as witnessed during the Mahakumbh”, said Modi, emphasising that such pride fosters unity and strengthens the confidence to achieve significant national goals.