New Delhi, March 9 (NationPress) Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, emphasized on Monday that the ongoing turmoil in West Asia is an essential matter for parliamentary discussion. He pointed out that this crisis could lead to severe economic ramifications for India, such as escalating fuel costs and extensive financial disturbances.

While addressing reporters at the Parliament premises, Gandhi expressed concern that the conflict could present significant economic hurdles for the nation, impacting various sectors.

“The situation in West Asia is poised to inflict substantial financial setbacks. A struggle is underway for a paradigm shift, which will severely harm our economy; we are already observing its effects on the stock market,” Gandhi remarked.

His comments were made during a heated political exchange between the ruling NDA and the Opposition INDIA bloc regarding the call for a discussion on the West Asia situation.

The ruling coalition criticized the Opposition for insisting on debating this issue when discussions regarding a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla were already on the agenda.

However, Rahul Gandhi maintained that developments in West Asia are of utmost relevance and should be urgently addressed in Parliament.

He also mentioned the interim trade agreement between India and the US, suggesting that its repercussions could further complicate India’s economic landscape.

“PM Modi has sealed that US deal, and it will impact the country severely. So, what’s the issue with discussing this? We can address other matters afterward,” he stated.

Gandhi further questioned the hesitation to prioritize this issue within Parliament, asserting that it directly influences the public and the national economy.

“Is the situation in West Asia not critical? Are rising fuel prices and economic ruin unimportant? These are public concerns, and we deem them vital, thus we seek a discussion on this,” Gandhi asserted.

Earlier, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal had harshly criticized Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party for disrupting parliamentary proceedings. Goyal labeled Gandhi as a “failed LoP” and claimed that the Congress party has become “directionless” under his leadership.

The Union minister also accused the Congress-led Opposition alliance of consistently obstructing the House's functions following the introduction of a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

He questioned the Opposition’s insistence on discussing the West Asia conflict when a discussion on the motion against the Speaker had already been arranged.

Meanwhile, members of the ruling party have also condemned the Opposition for allegedly wasting parliamentary time by causing disruptions and chaos in the House while demanding an immediate discussion on the situation in West Asia.