New Delhi:
As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman began presenting the Union Budget 2025 in the Lok Sabha, the session was disrupted by a walkout from opposition MPs, led by the Samajwadi Party. The protest was sparked by the recent tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh gathering in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, which resulted in the deaths of 30 people.
The pre-budget session was dominated by the opposition’s demand for a discussion on the Maha Kumbh tragedy, which occurred on the auspicious day of Mauni Amavasya. Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the Samajwadi Party, vehemently criticized the BJP government for its handling of the event, suggesting that the administration and management of the gathering should be handed over to the Army.
As Sitharaman rose to present the budget, opposition MPs, including those from the Samajwadi Party, shouted slogans and created a ruckus. They insisted that the House should first address the Maha Kumbh tragedy, highlighting the government’s failure to provide accurate numbers of deceased and missing persons. This incident marked a significant moment, as it was the first time saints denied participating in the Shahi (Amrit) Snan due to the tragedy.
The walkout occurred shortly before Sitharaman began her budget presentation on Saturday morning. The opposition’s protest underscored the severe criticism of the BJP government’s management of the Maha Kumbh gathering. The state government has since introduced strict measures to prevent further incidents, including a no-vehicle zone and one-way routes.
The budget presentation, which was expected to focus on measures to boost economic growth and provide tax relief to the middle class, was overshadowed by the opposition’s strong stance on the Maha Kumbh tragedy. Despite the disruptions, Sitharaman proceeded with her presentation, outlining key fiscal policies and economic strategies for the upcoming fiscal year.
