NEW DELHI, March 9 (ANI): Congress MP K.C. Venugopal said India could be significantly affected by the ongoing West Asia crisis, claiming that rising fuel prices are placing a burden on citizens.
Speaking to reporters Monday, Venugopal demanded a full-fledged discussion in Parliament on the evolving crisis in West Asia, saying a comprehensive debate on the situation involving Western countries is necessary.
“We are demanding a discussion on the Western countries’ crisis. We are very firm on that. India is going to be affected in a very big way. An energy crisis is happening everywhere. Fuel prices are rising day by day. People are in distress. The government will have to come for a discussion. There are precedents in this House itself when such discussions have taken place,” Venugopal said.
Other opposition leaders also criticized the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, highlighting what they described as the dangerous escalation of hostilities across the region.
Congress MP Karti Chidambaram sharply criticized the United States’ actions, describing the military strikes on Iran as “highly condemnable.” He warned that the attacks have driven up global crude oil prices and disrupted key trade routes, with potentially far-reaching global consequences.
“This unprovoked attack by the United States on a sovereign nation is highly condemnable. Crude oil prices have gone up. Trade routes are greatly disrupted. This will have far-reaching effects all over the world. Most importantly, innocent people are being killed,” Chidambaram told ANI.
“Whatever the differences or security concerns, they must be resolved through discussions, not through war,” he added.
Meanwhile, MPs from the INDIA bloc staged a protest at the Makar Dwar of Parliament, raising slogans against the central government over the West Asia conflict.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge were among those participating in the protest outside Parliament. The leaders held a banner that read: “Gulf burning, oil shock. Indians stranded. India needs leadership—no silence.”
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh said the opposition walked out after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made a suo motu statement in the Rajya Sabha without allowing questions or clarifications.
“As 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 walkout after protests,” Ramesh said.
Jaishankar addressed the Upper House amid sloganeering by opposition MPs, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring developments.
“The Prime Minister continues to closely monitor the emerging developments, and relevant ministries are coordinating to ensure effective responses,” Jaishankar said.
He added that the government had earlier expressed concern over the escalating tensions in the region.
“Our government issued a statement on Feb. 20 expressing deep concern and urging all sides to exercise restraint. We continue to believe that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate the tensions,” he said.
Ahead of Jaishankar’s statement, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also called for a comprehensive discussion on the West Asia crisis, warning that India’s energy security could be at risk.
“We have to hear what he has to say, but we want a discussion on this issue. It’s a very important issue. The country is deeply affected. Our energy security is at risk. Oil has gone above $100 a barrel this morning. Gas supplies from Qatar have stopped reaching India from that side,” Tharoor told reporters.
“Our factories currently do not have gas coming into India from that route. We may try to secure supplies from the East, but we are certainly suffering. Prices are going up. LPG prices increased by 60 rupees just the day before yesterday, and petrol is also likely to become more expensive. All of this will create serious problems for the country,” he added.
Tharoor urged the government to adopt a responsible and proactive approach to address the situation and its potential impact on India’s economy and energy supplies. (ANI)
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