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.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Tuesday lashed out at the BJP government in Maharashtra, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, for its handling of recent violent incidents in Nagpur. Thackeray drew a troubling parallel between Maharashtra and the violence-stricken state of Manipur, suggesting that the state is on a similar path.

In a press conference, Thackeray questioned the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) regarding its lack of response to spreading rumours of impending violence. “Why did the CMO not react when reports of unrest started circulating? The Chief Minister and the Home Department should be the first to know about such threats. Did they have no information? It seems like the BJP is intent on turning Maharashtra into the next Manipur,” he contended.

He also took the opportunity to discuss economic progress, comparing India unfavourably to Vietnam, which, despite being smaller and less populous, has a thriving electronics sector. Thackeray lamented the ongoing violence in Manipur since 2023, questioning the prospects for investment and tourism under such conditions.

“While violence persists in Manipur, Maharashtra risks experiencing a similar fate. We must consider the progress countries like Vietnam have made, showcasing what we could achieve if we were not mired in conflict. The BJP seems bent on dividing our nation along lines of caste and religion,” he remarked.

The violence in Nagpur, which has led to curfews and increased tensions, was characterized by Chief Minister Fadnavis as “a well-planned attack.” He attributed the unrest to protests by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, which were sparked by rumours of the desecration of religious items. “No one has the right to disrupt law and order,” he declared.

Fadnavis reported several injuries among police officers, including a Deputy Commissioner of Police attacked with an axe. Prohibitory orders were enacted in 11 police stations, and multiple FIRs were recorded in response to the incidents. “We will not tolerate attacks on law enforcement officials,” he stated firmly.

As tensions continued to escalate, the Maharashtra assembly witnessed protests from opposition leaders, demanding action regarding Aurangzeb’s tomb, which they see as a catalyst for recent violence. Both sides exchanged heated accusations, with the ruling alliance branding individuals who glorify Aurangzeb as “traitors.”

BJP MLA Pravin Datke also visited the affected neighbourhoods, emphasizing the premeditated nature of the violence, and noting targeted attacks on specific shops and stalls.

In light of the unrest, a curfew has been implemented in various parts of Nagpur under the authority of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, aimed at restoring order amidst the rising tensions. This curfew will remain enforced until further notice, affecting numerous police station jurisdictions across the city.

Russia on Tuesday expressed “deep regret” over Israel’s renewed airstrikes on Gaza, condemning actions that result in civilian casualties and urging both sides to return to negotiations.

The statement came after Palestinian health authorities reported that more than 400 people were killed in what Israel described as a “preemptive offensive” against Hamas militants, who are still holding 59 Israeli hostages.

The Russian Foreign Ministry stated, “Moscow learned with deep regret of Israel’s renewal of its military operation in the Gaza Strip. As experience shows, it is impossible to resolve the issue of freeing hostages by force. Russia strongly condemns any actions that lead to the death of civilians and the destruction of social infrastructure.”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov echoed these concerns, highlighting the alarming reports of civilian casualties. “We are monitoring the situation very closely and, of course, are waiting for it to return to a peaceful course,” Peskov said.

The Israeli airstrikes, which began early Tuesday, shattered a ceasefire that had been in place since January, threatening to reignite the 17-month-long conflict. According to hospital officials, at least 404 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed in the bombardment.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the strikes after Hamas refused to modify the terms of the ceasefire agreement. The operation, described as open-ended, is expected to expand further. The White House confirmed it had been consulted and expressed support for Israel’s actions.

The Israeli military issued evacuation orders for eastern Gaza, including parts of Beit Hanoun and other southern communities, signalling the possibility of renewed ground operations. Netanyahu’s office stated, “Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength.”

The surprise attack disrupted a period of relative calm during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, raising fears of a full-scale return to violence in a conflict that has already claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives and caused widespread destruction across Gaza.

Hamas, in a statement on Tuesday, blamed the U.S. for the deadly airstrikes, citing Washington’s “unlimited political and military support” for Israel. “With its unlimited political and military support for the occupation (Israel), Washington bears full responsibility for the massacres and the killing of women and children in Gaza,” the group said.