Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, March 18, praising the successful organization of the Maha Kumbh without making any reference to the stampedes and fatalities that occurred during the event.

His speech, delivered amid opposition protests, led to a brief adjournment of the House.

Acknowledging the efforts behind the religious gathering, Modi credited the Uttar Pradesh government, officials, and devotees for ensuring its smooth execution.

“Several people played a role in the success of Maha Kumbh. I thank all the ‘karm yogis’ of the government and society,” he said, as opposition members erupted in protest, demanding a chance to respond to his address—a request that was denied by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

The Prime Minister praised the Maha Kumbh as a representation of India's unity in diversity.

“I congratulate crores of countrymen because of whom the Maha Kumbh was successfully organized. I particularly thank the government employees, devotees, and the people of Uttar Pradesh, especially Prayagraj,” he said.

The Maha Kumbh, held from January 13 to February 26, was marred by two stampedes. The first, at the Sangam in Prayagraj on January 29 ahead of the Mauni Amavasya holy bath, left at least 30 dead and 60 injured.

The second, at New Delhi railway station on February 18, claimed 18 lives when massive crowds rushed to board trains bound for Prayagraj.

While the Uttar Pradesh government downplayed the January 29 tragedy, official confirmation of deaths in the February 18 incident came only after Modi offered condolences on X.

Despite these tragedies, Modi framed the Maha Kumbh as a moment of national inspiration.

“We all witnessed the grand effort it took to organize the Maha Kumbh. It was an example of ‘Sabka Prayas,’ inspired by the devotion of crores of Indians. This event gave a fitting reply to those who doubt our strength,” he said.

Drawing historical parallels, Modi likened the Kumbh’s significance to the Bhakti movement, Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago address, and Gandhi’s Dandi March, arguing that such events have shaped India’s destiny.

“The Maha Kumbh is another such transformative moment, demonstrating our collective awakening. For one and a half months, crores of devotees transcended comforts and inconveniences to immerse themselves in faith,” he added.

Stressing national unity, Modi said, “Such events reinforce the spirit of togetherness, proving that our unity is stronger than any divisive forces. In a world riddled with conflicts, our unity remains our greatest strength.”

He further proposed that the Maha Kumbh should inspire a “Nadi Utsav” (River Festival) to educate the youth on the significance of rivers and promote their conservation.

However, the event was not without controversy. Opposition leaders pointed to a Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report highlighting dangerously high levels of ‘faecal coliform’ bacteria in the Kumbh waters, raising concerns over hygiene mismanagement.

They also accused the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government of failing to ensure crowd safety.

Speaking outside Parliament, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticized Modi for ignoring the stampede victims.

“The prime minister should have paid homage to those who lost their lives in the Kumbh stampede,” he said.

Gandhi also called on Modi to address the issue of unemployment, arguing that young people who participated in the Kumbh also needed jobs.