Opposition Slams Govt in Lok Sabha Over Iran Crisis, Oil Stock Claims and Speaker Om Birla

Opposition parties mounted a sharp attack on the government during the Budget Session of the Indian Parliament on Tuesday, raising questions over the government's handling of the West Asia crisis, India's oil reserves and the functioning of the Lok Sabha under Speaker Om Birla.

The confrontation unfolded as the Lok Sabha prepared to debate an Opposition-backed motion seeking the removal of Om Birla. The resolution, moved by Mohammed Jawed, set the stage for a long discussion, with several Opposition leaders accusing the government of weakening parliamentary debate and limiting space for dissent inside the House.

Opposition questions government over West Asia crisis

Alongside the motion against the Speaker, Opposition MPs repeatedly demanded a detailed debate on the ongoing tensions in West Asia and their possible impact on India's economy and energy security. The government maintained that External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar had already briefed Parliament, but Opposition leaders insisted that a full discussion was necessary.

Members from different parties argued that the crisis could have direct consequences for India, particularly in areas such as fuel prices, trade flows and diplomatic relations in the region.

Oil reserves and energy security come under scrutiny

Energy preparedness became a key point of criticism during the proceedings. Priyanka Chaturvedi of Shiv Sena (UBT) questioned the government's earlier statements about India's strategic oil reserves.

She pointed out that ministers had earlier claimed the country had crude reserves sufficient for about 72 days. However, during disruptions linked to the Iran-Israel tensions, the available stock was said to be much lower, raising concerns about the accuracy of the government's planning and preparedness.

MPs seek debate in Rajya Sabha as well

Opposition parties also attempted to expand the discussion to the Rajya Sabha. Sanjay Singh of the Aam Aadmi Party submitted a notice under Rule 267 demanding a debate on how the West Asia crisis could affect India's energy security, businesses and domestic fuel prices.

Meanwhile, Saket Gokhale of the All India Trinamool Congress also moved a notice seeking discussion on another issue, highlighting how multiple Opposition MPs were trying to push urgent debates in the Upper House.

Disruptions and heated exchanges in Lok Sabha

Proceedings in the Lok Sabha were repeatedly disrupted as Opposition MPs raised slogans and demanded immediate discussions. The House had to be adjourned briefly while members protested in the Well.

During the debate, Gaurav Gogoi of the Indian National Congress alleged that the microphone of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was switched off while he was speaking, accusing the government of stifling Opposition voices.

The developments turned the day's parliamentary proceedings into a heated political confrontation, with the Opposition linking the Speaker removal motion, energy security concerns and foreign policy issues to mount a broader criticism of the government's performance.