New Delhi

Union minister J. P. Nadda on Monday criticised Opposition parties for disrupting proceedings in the Rajya Sabha and walking out while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was delivering a suo motu statement on the situation in West Asia.

The developments unfolded shortly after the House assembled for the day. Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan first read obituary references and allowed the laying of listed papers before inviting Jaishankar to brief the House on the ongoing regional crisis.

However, Mallikarjun Kharge, president of the Indian National Congress and Leader of the Opposition in the Upper House, objected and insisted that the government should allow a detailed discussion on the West Asia situation before the minister’s statement.

Kharge argued that the escalating conflict in the region could affect India’s economic stability and threaten the safety and livelihoods of Indian citizens working there.

“I request a short-duration discussion on emerging challenges for energy security and the fast-changing geopolitical situation in West Asia affecting India,” Kharge said.

The Chair responded that he would return to Kharge later and asked Jaishankar to proceed with his statement.

As the minister began speaking, members of the Congress and other Opposition parties stood up, raising slogans and demanding that Kharge be allowed to complete his remarks and that a discussion be scheduled on the issue. Amid the protest, Opposition MPs eventually staged a walkout from the House while Jaishankar continued his statement.

After the statement concluded, Leader of the House Nadda criticised the Opposition’s conduct, calling it “irresponsible” and accusing them of attempting to create disorder in Parliament.

“It is unfortunate that the Opposition’s behaviour is highly irresponsible and condemnable. They have no interest in participating in debates and are only trying to create chaos,” Nadda said.

He also alleged that Opposition parties had previously walked out during government responses on several major issues, including discussions on SIR, Viksit Bharat, Operation Sindoor, the Waqf Bill and the Union Budget.

“The Opposition is focused only on petty politics, but under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, such tactics will not succeed,” he added.

Earlier, Kharge had emphasised that the West Asia crisis could have direct economic consequences for India. He noted that nearly one crore Indians work in the region and reports suggest that some have been killed or gone missing amid the ongoing conflict.

He also pointed out that India receives around USD 51 billion in remittances annually from Gulf countries.

During his remarks, Kharge additionally criticised the recent increase in LPG cylinder prices, saying it was adding to the financial burden on common citizens.

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The House also congratulated the India national cricket team for winning the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.