Budget Session Disruption: Opposition Seeks Full Debate on West Asia Conflict

Opposition leaders on Monday staged a protest in the Parliament House complex demanding a comprehensive discussion on the escalating West Asia conflict , accusing the government of maintaining “ silence ” on a matter with serious implications for India .

The protest was led by Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge , along with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav , among others. The leaders gathered near the Makar Dwar of Parliament and raised slogans criticising the government while urging it to address the issue in Parliament.

Opposition MPs held placards and a large banner that read, “Gulf burning, oil shock. Indians stranded. India needs leadership not silence.” They raised slogans such as “Discuss West Asia crisis in Parliament” and “Government must break its silence,” pressing for an immediate debate on the geopolitical developments in the region.

Earlier in the day, floor leaders of several opposition parties met in Kharge’s chamber in the Parliament House complex to chalk out a strategy for the second half of the Budget session . Leaders present at the meeting included Samajwadi Party’s Ram Gopal Yadav , DMK’s Dayanidhi Maran , NCP (SP)’s Supriya Sule , and Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Sanjay Raut , among others.

Addressing the issue, Kharge emphasised that the escalating tensions involving the United States , Israel , and Iran had reached India’s strategic neighbourhood and could directly affect the country’s economic and security interests. “As the Parliament reconvenes for the second part of the Budget session, the US–Israel war with Iran has reached our backyard. In this context, it is imperative to have a full-fledged discussion on the current geopolitical crisis,” he said.

Kharge also criticised the government’s response, saying a “one-sided statement” by the External Affairs Minister was not sufficient. He called on the government to present a clear contingency plan to safeguard India’s energy security , protect traders and exporters, and ensure that disruptions in the region do not lead to price hikes affecting ordinary citizens.

Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders echoed similar concerns, stressing that Parliament must be taken into confidence on matters of national and economic importance. They said the government should clearly outline its strategy to deal with the potential impact of the crisis on oil supplies , trade , and the safety of Indian citizens working in the Gulf region.

The opposition leaders also questioned the government’s approach in Parliament and sought clarity on who would lead the discussion and outline the government’s response to the unfolding situation. They insisted that the issue deserved serious attention during the ongoing Budget session.