Proceedings adjourned amid confrontation, uproar and sloganeering in Parliament on West Asia tension

• Lok Sabha proceedings repeatedly adjourned amid uproar
• Energy security and safety of Indians abroad became an issue
• Government and opposition face to face even on the motion against the speaker

New Delhi. The second phase of Parliament’s budget session on Monday began with a sharp political confrontation over rising tensions in West Asia and a military conflict involving Iran. The opposition demanded an immediate discussion on the issue and asked the government to give a clear statement, while the government said that it is not running away from the debate and is ready to discuss it in Parliament. Due to the uproar and sloganeering, the proceedings of the Lok Sabha had to be adjourned several times during the day, due to which the proceedings of the House were disrupted. After being postponed twice earlier due to uproar, it was adjourned till 11 am on Tuesday.

As soon as the Lok Sabha proceedings began on Monday morning, opposition members raised the issue of increasing military tension in West Asia and demanded the government to clarify the situation. The opposition said that the increasing conflict between Iran, Israel and America could affect India’s energy security, business interests and millions of Indian citizens living abroad. In such a situation, the government should take the Parliament into confidence and clarify its strategy. Due to sloganeering by opposition MPs, the proceedings of the House had to be adjourned till 12 noon.

When the proceedings of the Lok Sabha resumed in the afternoon, the opposition members once again started creating ruckus over the situation in West Asia. The Presiding Officer invited the Ministers to answer questions during the Question Hour and the replies of the concerned Ministries were tabled in the House. Despite this, the opposition MPs continued raising slogans and demanding a detailed discussion with the government. Due to the uproar, the Lok Sabha proceedings finally had to be adjourned till 3 pm. Meanwhile, in the Rajya Sabha, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar presented the government’s side on the situation in West Asia.

He said that the Government of India had issued a statement on February 20 itself, expressing deep concern over the increasing tension in the region and appealed to all parties to exercise restraint and find solutions through dialogue. He said that India believes that diplomacy and dialogue are the most effective way to reduce tension. The Foreign Minister also said that the government is constantly monitoring the situation in West Asia. The safety of Indian citizens living there is the top priority of the government and preparations have been made to take necessary steps for their safe return if necessary. He said that the situation is also being constantly reviewed keeping in mind the energy needs of India.

The Foreign Minister said, ‘The fighting is continuously increasing and the security situation in the area has worsened. We have seen that, in fact, the fighting has spread to other countries and the destruction and deaths are increasing. Normal life and economic activity across the region has been clearly affected and in some cases has even come to a halt. Therefore, on March 3, we reiterated our appeal for dialogue and diplomacy and asked for an early end to the fighting. I am sure that the entire House also joins me in expressing grief over the loss of life and property.

During the discussion on this issue in Parliament, many opposition leaders questioned the government. AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi and other opposition leaders said that the current situation in West Asia can impact the global oil market and regional stability, hence the government should explain its policy in detail in the Parliament. Amidst the uproar, another issue further heated the political atmosphere. There was a heated exchange between the government and the opposition regarding the no-confidence motion brought by the opposition against the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju objected to the attitude of the opposition and said that the opposition itself is not clear about what it wants. First the notice of no-confidence motion against the Speaker was given and then a motion for adjournment of proceedings was also given. The Presiding Officer also appealed to the opposition members to maintain the dignity of the House and said that if any proposal has been brought under the rules, it can be discussed. He said that differences in Parliament are natural, but it is the responsibility of all members to allow the proceedings to continue.

The way the government and the opposition came face to face on the very first day of Parliament regarding tensions in West Asia and the motion against the Speaker, there are clear indications that the second phase of the budget session is going to be very heated. While the opposition is making a strategy to corner the government on international issues and parliamentary procedures, the government is also saying that it is ready to discuss these issues.

In such a situation, heated debate and political conflict in the Parliament is likely to intensify in the coming days. Congress MP KC Venugopal has given notice of an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha to discuss the increasing impact on India’s energy security due to the West Asia crisis. He has demanded an immediate discussion on this important issue by adjourning the business of the House.