Oppn protests, demands debate on West Asia conflict as Jaishankar makes speech in Parliament

Opposition MPs led by Congress staged protests inside and outside Parliament on Monday, demanding a full discussion on the escalating conflict in West Asia even as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made a statement on the issue in both Houses.

Members of the Congress-led INDIA bloc, including Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, later gathered at the Makar Dwar entrance of Parliament holding a banner that read: “Gulf burning, oil shock. Indians stranded. India needs leadership — not silence.”

Earlier in the Lok Sabha, proceedings were disrupted as Opposition members raised slogans demanding a full-fledged debate instead of a “suo moto statement” by the government. As Jaishankar rose to speak on the “situation in West Asia”, protesting MPs moved into the well of the House, prompting the chair to adjourn the proceedings till 3 pm.

The government, however, accused the Opposition of disregarding parliamentary norms during the minister’s address. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticised the protest, while the chair said the Opposition could approach the Business Advisory Committee if it wished to seek a detailed discussion on the issue.

In his statement, Jaishankar said the government was closely monitoring developments in the region and had taken steps to safeguard Indian citizens. He added that India had earlier expressed deep concern over the conflict and urged restraint, emphasising that dialogue and diplomacy remained essential to de-escalate tensions.