New Delhi: Addressing the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Mahakumbh 2025 celebrations in Prayagraj, stating that it showcased India's rich cultural heritage to the world.

"The whole world saw the power of India. I want to thank the people of Prayagraj for making Mahakumbh 2025 a global success," Modi said.

"I bow to the crores of people of the country who contributed to the success of the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj," he said, adding that it showcased the unity of the people.

Making a statement in the Lok Sabha, Modi said the entire world witnessed the grandeur of India during the Mahakumbh and the religious gathering reflected the spirit of rising India.

He also described it as a fine example of the 'sabka saath' philosophy. He said the Mahakumbh proved that unity in diversity runs deep in India's culture.

India's new generation connected with the Mahakumbh, embracing traditions and faith with pride, Modi said in his remarks. The Prime Minister also mentioned that he took holy Ganga water to Mauritius during his diplomatic visit.

Sonia Gandhi demands MGNREGA expansion

In Rajya Sabha, Congress MP Sonia Gandhi accused the BJP government of systematically undermining the MGNREGA employment scheme by keeping its budget allocation stagnant.

She urged the Centre to:

  • Increase minimum wages under MGNREGA by ₹400 per day.
  • Raise the number of guaranteed workdays from 100 to 150 per year.
  • Ensure timely disbursement of wages and better financial provisions.

"These measures are essential to ensure MGNREGA provides dignified employment and financial security," she asserted.

Opposition protests and disruptions in Parliament

Tensions escalated in both Houses as opposition MPs protested PM Modi’s address, with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla clarifying that no questions could be raised on the Prime Minister’s speech.

In Rajya Sabha, opposition parties including the Congress and TMC staged a walkout after their request to discuss alleged Election Commission lapses—such as duplicate voter ID cards and the impact of delimitation on southern states—was denied.

Other key discussions in Parliament

  • Debate on the Manipur budget continued, with CPI MP Sandosh Kumar criticizing the BJP’s handling of the state’s crisis and urging PM Modi to visit Manipur instead of focusing on international trips.
  • DMK leaders clashed with Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, accusing him of attempting to impose Hindi in Tamil Nadu under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

With heated exchanges on economic policies, governance, and electoral concerns, the Parliament Budget Session 2025 remains a battleground for BJP and opposition parties. As discussions continue, MGNREGA funding, the Manipur crisis, and electoral integrity are expected to dominate political discourse in the coming days.