A fierce political confrontation erupted in Parliament on Monday after Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi accused the government of refusing to allow a discussion on the escalating crisis in West Asia, alleging that such a debate would expose how Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been “compromised” by the United States and Israel.
Addressing reporters amid protests in Parliament, the Congress leader said the government was deliberately avoiding a debate because it would reveal the implications of India’s foreign policy decisions and their potential impact on the economy.
Gandhi warned that the geopolitical turmoil in West Asia could severely affect India, particularly through rising crude oil prices and financial instability. He argued that Parliament must discuss the crisis because it has direct consequences for ordinary citizens.
The Congress MP from Rae Bareli questioned why the government was reluctant to debate an issue that could have serious economic consequences for the country. According to him, the conflict could lead to increased fuel prices and broader economic disruption.
“How much loss will the West Asia crisis cause? A fight towards a paradigm shift is going on and it will cause a major loss to our economy. You saw what happened to the stock market. The Prime Minister has signed deals with the US and the country could suffer a major blow. So why are they afraid of discussing it? Are fuel prices and economic devastation not public issues?” Gandhi said.
The opposition leader further alleged that if the issue were debated in both Houses of Parliament, the Prime Minister would find it difficult to face the scrutiny. He claimed the government was avoiding the discussion because it could reveal uncomfortable truths about India’s diplomatic positioning.
“They do not want a discussion because other things will come out of it. The Prime Minister’s position will be exposed. How he is compromised and how he is being blackmailed will come up. That is why they are running away from the debate,” Gandhi said.
The remarks came as proceedings in the Lok Sabha were repeatedly disrupted by opposition protests demanding a debate on the West Asia situation. Amid loud sloganeering and confrontations between the treasury benches and opposition MPs, the House was eventually adjourned for the day and will reconvene on March 10 at 11:00 AM.
The clash marked a turbulent start to the second phase of the Budget Session, with members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party accusing the opposition of deliberately disrupting Parliament over the issue.
Earlier in the day, MPs belonging to the INDIA bloc staged protests near the Makar Dwar entrance of Parliament, raising slogans against the government and demanding a discussion on the West Asia conflict. Along with Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge was also present during the protest.
The confrontation came shortly after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made a statement in the Rajya Sabha regarding the evolving situation in West Asia. The opposition, however, insisted that a mere statement was insufficient and demanded a full debate to question the government on its diplomatic approach and preparedness for potential economic fallout.
With tensions rising both inside and outside Parliament, the West Asia crisis has quickly turned into a major political flashpoint during the ongoing Budget Session.
