A heated exchange unfolded in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday as Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju clashed over the government’s handling of the ongoing West Asia crisis and demands for a detailed parliamentary discussion on its implications.

Kharge criticised the government over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s absence from an all-party meeting convened to discuss the situation in West Asia. He also raised concerns about the Centre’s reluctance to allow a structured debate on how the crisis could impact LPG supplies and contribute to rising prices in India, arguing that such issues directly affect the public and require transparency and accountability.

Responding to the criticism, Rijiju asserted that the government was not avoiding discussion on the matter. He pointed out that ministers had already made statements in both Houses of Parliament regarding the West Asia situation. The minister further countered Kharge’s claims by stating that leaders of opposition from both Houses themselves did not attend the all-party meeting, questioning the opposition’s stance on engagement.

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The exchange escalated as Kharge accused the government of selectively introducing legislation without adequate debate, saying it “brings a bill whenever it wants". Rijiju rejected the allegation, maintaining that parliamentary procedures were being followed. The confrontation highlighted ongoing tensions between the government and the opposition over the handling of international developments and their domestic economic implications, particularly amid concerns about energy security and inflation.

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