"Pure discrimination, we also wanted to speak": TMC's Kalyan Banerjee criticises PM Modi's address in Lok Sabha on Maha Kumbh
Mar 18, 2025
New Delhi [India], March 18 : Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee on Tuesday criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address in the Lok Sabha on the Maha Kumbh, questioning how he could speak on the subject if it was previously deemed a state matter.
Speaking to ANI, Banerjee accused the government of discrimination, alleging that opposition leaders were denied the opportunity to discuss the event in the past.
"The Prime Minister spoke that was not on the list of business. All of a sudden the Prime Minister came and started speaking on the Maha Kumbh. We also wanted to speak on the Maha Kumbh but they used to say that Maha Kumbh is a state subject and cannot be discussed here. I am astonished at how the Prime Minister can speak on the Maha Kumbh if it is a state subject. This is pure discrimination," the TMC MP said.
Earlier today, the Prime Minister commended the successful organisation of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, attributing its success to the dedication of the public, administration, and devotees across the country and highlighting the collective efforts that contributed to the grand event.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, PM Modi expressed deep gratitude towards the people of Uttar Pradesh and Prayagraj for their efforts in hosting the event, calling the Maha Kumbh a symbol of India's growing national consciousness.
"I am here to make a statement on the Maha Kumbh held in Prayagraj. I want to thank the public and administration for the successful organisation of the MahaKumbh. The success of the Maha Kumbh is the result of the efforts of various people. I want to thank everyone: the country's devotees, the public of UP, especially the people of Prayagraj. We all know that strenuous efforts took place to bring Ganga to earth; similar efforts have been taken to hold the grand Mahakumbh," PM Modi said.
In a pointed remark aimed at the opposition, Prime Minister Modi stated that the success of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj had silenced the doubts and fears raised by certain critics regarding India's capabilities.
