Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said the Congress supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on India’s cultural heritage, adding that, but PM failed to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the Maha Kumbh event.

Speaking to reporters in the Parliament complex, Gandhi also seized the opportunity to highlight the pressing issue of unemployment, hours after PM Modi addressed the Lok Sabha on the cultural significance of the Maha Kumbh. “The youth who attended the Maha Kumbh expect more than just praise—they need jobs. Employment is what they truly seek from the PM,” he stated.

Gandhi also criticised the government for stifling the Opposition’s voice in Parliament. “In a democratic setup, the Leader of Opposition should have the opportunity to speak, but they won’t allow us. This is the new India they are building,” he remarked.

Commenting on PM Modi’s assertion that the Maha Kumbh reflects India’s unity and strength, Gandhi said, “We support what the PM said. The Kumbh is an integral part of our history and culture. Our only grievance is that the PM did not pay homage to those who lost their lives during the event.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed disappointment over the lack of opportunity for the Opposition to speak on the matter. “The PM spoke optimistically about the Maha Kumbh, but the Opposition should have also been given a chance to present its views. We, too, have deep sentiments towards the Maha Kumbh, and there should be no issue if we express ourselves. The Opposition should have been allowed to speak for at least two minutes,” she told reporters.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi praised the successful organization of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, crediting its success to the collective efforts of the public, administration, and devotees across the country.

“I am here to make a statement on the Maha Kumbh held in Prayagraj. I want to thank the public and the administration for its successful organization. The success of the Maha Kumbh is the result of the efforts of countless individuals. I extend my gratitude to the country’s devotees, the people of Uttar Pradesh, and especially the residents of Prayagraj. Just as immense efforts were made to bring the Ganga to earth, similar dedication was shown in organizing this grand Maha Kumbh,” said PM Modi.

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday accused the BJP-led central government of systematically weakening the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), a flagship rural employment scheme. Speaking during the Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, she demanded an increase in the minimum wage under the scheme to ₹400 per day and an extension of guaranteed workdays from 100 to 150 per year.

Sonia Gandhi highlighted that the MGNREGA, enacted in 2005 during the UPA government under former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, has been a vital safety net for millions of rural poor. However, she expressed deep concern over its alleged deterioration under the current administration.

“The budget allocation for MGNREGA remains stagnant at ₹86,000 crore, which is a 10-year low as a percentage of GDP. When adjusted for inflation, the effective budget has declined by ₹4,000 crore. Estimates suggest that nearly 20% of the allocated funds will be used to clear pending dues from previous years,” she stated.

She also pointed out several challenges plaguing the scheme, including the exclusionary Aadhaar-based payment system, the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS), persistent delays in wage payments, and wage rates that fail to keep pace with inflation. The NMMS app, which requires real-time attendance and geotagged photographs of workers, has been criticized for adding unnecessary complexity.

Sonia Gandhi called for adequate financial provisions to sustain and expand MGNREGA. She urged the government to increase the minimum wage to ₹400 per day, ensure timely disbursement of wages, and raise the number of guaranteed workdays from 100 to 150 annually.

The central government had previously increased MGNREGA wages by 3-10% in nominal terms for the financial year 2024-25, just before the general elections were announced last year. However, wages vary significantly across states, ranging from ₹237 per day in Uttarakhand to ₹300 in Andhra Pradesh.

Demanding the removal of the Aadhaar Payments Bridge System (APBS) and NMMS, Sonia Gandhi emphasized, “These measures are essential to ensure that MGNREGA provides dignified employment and financial security to rural workers.”

A curfew has been imposed in several areas of Nagpur following violent clashes that erupted on Monday night over demands to remove Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb from Maharashtra. The unrest left 33 police officers and five civilians injured, with multiple shops and vehicles set ablaze.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde have labeled the violence as a “planned conspiracy” and blamed it on deliberate misinformation. Fadnavis pointed to the large-scale stone-pelting and targeted attacks, saying, “We got a trolley of stones, indicating planning, and some specified houses and institutions were targeted.”

He added that misinformation about a religious symbol on a symbolic grave sparked the violence. “One Deputy Commissioner was attacked with an axe… those who took the law into their hands will not be spared,” he asserted.

Clashes fueled by ‘Chhava’ movie and political tensions

The controversy began when right-wing groups Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal staged a protest demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave. The groups symbolically burned a grave made of grass and raised slogans. This, according to authorities, led to the spread of false claims that religious texts were burned, triggering a reaction from the Muslim community.

Eknath Shinde backed Fadnavis’ claims, saying, “Patriotic Muslims will never support Aurangzeb.” He further called Aurangzeb’s tomb a “blot on Maharashtra” and accused opposition parties of inciting the violence.

Opposition alleges BJP conspiracy

Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray countered the ruling alliance’s claims, alleging that the BJP was attempting to create a “Manipur-like situation” in Maharashtra. His party colleague, Priyanka Chaturvedi, also accused the BJP of orchestrating the violence as part of a larger political agenda.

Meanwhile, Union Minister and Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari urged people not to believe in rumors, stating, “Nagpur is known for maintaining peace. I urge my brothers not to fall for misinformation.”

Current situation in Nagpur

Heavy security has been deployed across the city, particularly near Aurangzeb’s tomb, which is under legal protection. Several houses and shops were vandalized, and multiple vehicles were torched during the riots.

Residents recounted terrifying experiences, with one, Sharad Gupta from Hansapuri, stating that a mob attacked his house around 10:30 PM, setting his two-wheelers on fire while police response was delayed.

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and curfew measures remain in place to prevent further escalation.