Rahul Gandhi accuses government of blocking West Asia debate in Parliament

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi alleged that the government is avoiding a discussion in Parliament on the West Asia crisis as it would expose Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Opposition parties have demanded a debate citing concerns over fuel prices and economic impact

New Delhi: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Monday alleged that the government was not allowing a discussion on the West Asia situation in Parliament, fearing it would expose how Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been “blackmailed” and is “compromised”.

Gandhi also alleged that the prime minister has “fled from Parliament” and will not be able to enter the House.

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The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha said all opposition parties want a discussion on West Asia as it involves issues such as rising fuel prices and economic devastation.

“These are people’s issues we consider important, and therefore we want to discuss them,” Gandhi told reporters outside the Parliament House complex after the Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day.

“There is a fight for a paradigm shift that is going on which will harm our economy big time. You have seen what has happened in stock markets. (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi has signed the US deal. The country is going to suffer a severe blow,” he said.

“So, what is the problem in discussing these issues?” he asked.

Gandhi said the no-confidence motion moved against Speaker Om Birla can be taken up after a discussion on the West Asia situation.

“We are demanding that, and then we will discuss other issues. What do you think, the West Asia issue is not important? Fuel price, economic devastation, are they not important? These are people’s issues we consider important, and therefore we want to discuss them,” Gandhi said.

“They (the government) don’t want to discuss that, as other things will come up. Questions will be raised about Narendra Modi having been blackmailed and being compromised. That is why he has fled from Parliament. Now he won’t be able to enter the House,” the former Congress president claimed.

The Lok Sabha on Monday could not take up a resolution seeking the removal of Birla amid repeated adjournments, as opposition members demanded a debate on the West Asia situation. The government and the Chair accused the opposition of holding the House proceedings “hostage” to its demands.

The House was adjourned for the day shortly after it reassembled at 3 pm, following an earlier adjournment due to relentless protests by opposition members.