New Delhi, March 25 (NationPress) RLD MP Rajkumar Sangwan asserted on Wednesday that he has never witnessed Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, participating in all-party meetings. He emphasized that such gatherings are vital for the effective operation of Parliament.

In an interview with IANS, Sangwan remarked that if opposition leaders have grievances or matters to discuss, they should voice them during these meetings to ensure uninterrupted proceedings.

“Since that incident, I have not seen Rahul Gandhi at any all-party meetings,” he stated.

Sangwan further challenged Gandhi's absence, asking, “He never shows up, so how can we expect him to come now? It’s essential for him to participate in all-party meetings whenever they occur, as they are crucial for the smooth operation of Parliament.”

He noted that Parliament incurs significant expenses, making it imperative for all participants to engage positively. “The government is eager to address the issues raised by MPs. However, the situation would be different if there is a reluctance to allow Parliament to function,” he informed IANS.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah is set to lead the all-party meeting on Wednesday evening to update political leaders on the ongoing crisis in West Asia, amid growing concerns over its economic and security ramifications for India.

Five to six ministers, including External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, will represent the government at the meeting.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will provide an overview of the current situation in West Asia during this gathering.

The meeting is scheduled for 5 P.M. within the Parliament complex.

This initiative follows remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in both Houses of Parliament, where he described the scenario as an "unprecedented crisis" with potentially enduring effects.

The conflict in West Asia has now persisted for four weeks, disrupting crucial maritime trade routes, especially through the Strait of Hormuz. Such tensions have led to fluctuations in global energy markets and raised alarms regarding supply chains and inflation, prompting the government to enhance discussions with political stakeholders.

Opposition parties, including the Congress, have been urging the government for a comprehensive discussion in Parliament regarding the matter. In the Rajya Sabha, Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the government's choice to opt for a briefing instead of a thorough debate, contending that the seriousness of the situation necessitated an extensive discussion in the House.

Rahul Gandhi has also criticized the government, claiming that India's foreign policy has become "compromised" and motivated by personal interests rather than national priorities. While he welcomed the initiative for an all-party meeting, LoP Gandhi indicated that he would be unable to attend due to a prior commitment in Kerala.

The all-party meeting follows a day after Rajnath Singh led a high-level security review that included Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the three service chiefs, and senior officials, including DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir Kamat, to evaluate the evolving regional situation.

As geopolitical tensions escalate and their global implications become more evident, the meeting is anticipated to act as a significant platform for the government to update Opposition leaders and seek a broader political consensus on India's response to the crisis.