INDIA bloc MPs protest in Parliament over Centre’s stance on West Asia conflict

Leaders and MPs of the opposition INDIA bloc staged a protest in Parliament on Monday accusing the Centre of remaining silent on the escalating conflict in West Asia and demanding a detailed discussion in the House on the situation and its implications for India reported news agency ANIThe protest was held near the Makar Dwar entrance of Parliament where several opposition leaders raised slogans against the government Among those leading the demonstration were Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun KhargeOpposition MPs displayed a banner during the protest that read ldquoGulf burning oil shock Indians stranded India needs leadership mdash no silencerdquo highlighting concerns over the governmentrsquos response to the intensifying conflict in the region reported ANIOpposition demands discussion on West Asia situationThe protest came after the opposition demanded a detailed debate in Parliament on the ongoing conflict in West Asia citing concerns over its potential impact on Indiarsquos energy security economic stability and the safety of Indian citizens in the regionHowever instead of allowing a discussion External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made a suo motu statement in the Rajya Sabha regarding the situation Since questions and clarifications are typically not permitted after such statements opposition parties objected and staged a walkoutCongress MP Jairam Ramesh defended the oppositionrsquos decision stating that the government had denied their request for an immediate discussionldquoAs expected the External Affairs Minister made a suo motu statement in the Rajya Sabha on which no questions can be asked or clarifications sought The entire opposition wanted an immediate discussion on the West Asian situation This was denied and hence the opposition walked out after protestsrdquo Ramesh said reported ANIJaishankar says PM closely monitoring developmentsAddressing the Rajya Sabha amid sloganeering by opposition MPs Jaishankar said the government was closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation in West AsiaHe informed the House that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is keeping a close watch on developments and that multiple ministries are coordinating to respond to the emerging challengesldquoThe Prime Minister continues to closely monitor the emerging developments and relevant ministries are coordinating to ensure effective responsesrdquo Jaishankar said reported ANIThe minister also noted that the government had earlier issued a statement on February 20 expressing concern over rising tensions in the region and urging all parties to exercise restraintldquoOur government had issued a statement expressing deep concerns and urging all sides to exercise restraint We continue to believe that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to deescalate tensionsrdquo he added reported ANIKharge flags concerns over Indiarsquos energy securityEarlier in the day Kharge had sought a shortduration discussion in the Rajya Sabha on Indiarsquos energy security in light of the ongoing conflictHe warned that the escalating hostilities in West Asia could have serious implications for Indiarsquos oil supplies economic stability and global imageldquoThe conflict is not limited to West Asia it has now impacted Indiarsquos energy security and image The result of this conflict will also impact our economic stabilityrdquo Kharge said while raising the issue in the House reported ANIHe also referred to rising cooking gas prices arguing that developments in the region were already affecting domestic energy costsSuspended MPs also stage protest in ParliamentMeanwhile a separate protest was also held within the Parliament premises by suspended opposition MPs The lawmakers carried a banner reading ldquoSilencing the opposition is equal to killing democracyrdquo accusing the government of suppressing dissent in Parliament reported ANIThe protests come against the backdrop of the intensifying war in West Asia which began on February 28 following joint USIsraeli strikes targeting Iran The attacks reportedly resulted in the death of Iranrsquos former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with several key members of the ruling establishmentThe conflict has since escalated with fresh attacks reported over the weekend on oil depots and water desalination plants raising global concerns about disruptions in energy supplies and regional stabilityWith inputs from ANI