Hyderabad, March 23 (NationPress) Congress officials expressed their discontent with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s handling of the ongoing crisis in West Asia, accusing the government of neglecting India's interests and delaying necessary action despite the situation's potential repercussions on the nation.

Madhu Goud Yaskhi, a close associate of Rahul Gandhi and former Congress MP, stated that the Prime Minister has not adequately responded to the escalating tensions in the area where hostilities persist and numerous nations are impacted.

In a conversation with IANS, Yaskhi noted that the Leader of Opposition, Gandhi, has consistently raised alarms about the possible ramifications of the conflict on India and its citizens residing in the region, yet the government has not shown the urgency required.

“The Prime Minister has utterly failed to safeguard Indian interests in West Asian countries amidst the ongoing war. The Leader of Opposition has repeatedly highlighted the looming impact of the conflict on India and its citizens abroad,” he emphasized.

Yaskhi also criticized the government’s approach to diplomacy, asserting that the Centre has not even publicly acknowledged the death of the Iranian Supreme Leader.

“What kind of diplomacy is Prime Minister Modi practicing here?” he questioned.

He further pointed out that in matters of national significance, political parties traditionally unite, recalling historical instances when the Opposition supported the government during national crises.

“When the nation was at war, despite being in the Opposition, Sonia Gandhi stood firmly with then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. When it comes to national importance, we all stand united,” he stated.

He also referenced the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, asserting that the circumstances necessitate collaboration among political factions rather than political discord.

According to Yaskhi, the Prime Minister should promptly call for an all-party meeting to deliberate on the implications of the ongoing conflict.

“The most prudent action the Prime Minister can take is to convene an all-party meeting urgently and discuss the situation both inside and outside Parliament. Merely consulting his Cabinet members lacks substance,” he expressed.

Yaskhi added that previous Prime Ministers have adopted a consultative strategy during international crises by seeking input from Opposition parties.

“Democracy relies on a robust Opposition. The Prime Minister has failed to engage the populace or reach out to the primary Opposition party,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader V. Hanumanth Rao also criticized the timing of the Prime Minister’s statements on the matter, suggesting the government should have addressed the issue sooner.

“The Prime Minister is making comments now after 18 or 19 days have gone by. What kind of approach is this?” Rao told IANS.

He raised concerns that the conflict between Iran and Israel could have significant economic repercussions for India, particularly regarding fuel prices.

“Consequently, issues related to oil and petrol may escalate. I fear petrol and diesel prices could surge from ₹100 to ₹200. Who will be accountable for that?” Rao questioned.

Rao further noted that the Iran-Israel conflict has generated widespread anxiety across the nation and contended that stronger diplomatic measures should have been pursued earlier to avert escalation.

“Due to the Iran-Israel conflict, the entire nation is apprehensive. The war should have been halted at its inception. Now countless individuals have already endured losses, and only now is it being discussed in Parliament,” he added.

He also called for more vigorous efforts to restore peace in the region, questioning the global response to the ongoing conflict.