Shiv Sena Supports PM Modi's CCS Meeting; Congress Seeks All-Party Dialogue
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Key Takeaways
New Delhi, March 23 (NationPress) - Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a session of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to evaluate the current situation and discuss mitigation strategies in light of the ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran in the West Asia region. Both Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress expressed their approval of this initiative on Monday. However, the Congress party called for an all-party meeting, expressing concerns about the government's foresight and deeming their actions as delayed.
The CCS meeting, which took place in New Delhi on Sunday, aimed to analyze the rapidly changing landscape and strategize on how to lessen its effects. During this gathering, Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan provided a comprehensive overview of the actions already undertaken by various ministries and proposed additional preparedness measures.
In a statement to IANS, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi remarked, “The conflict shows no signs of resolution, and negotiations seem unlikely. Continuous attacks on each other’s infrastructure persist. The President of the United States has hinted at further interventions. Israel is persistently targeting Iran, which is responding in kind. This crisis is not limited to that specific area; it has escalated into a global emergency, particularly impacting essential supplies like oil.”
Chaturvedi further emphasized, “In India, we are already facing the repercussions, as approximately 80 percent of our energy requirements are fulfilled through imports. Hence, this meeting was vital, with nearly all ministers present to seek solutions. I appreciate this initiative and hope that the Prime Minister's discussions with Iran and other Middle Eastern countries will contribute to alleviating the conflict.”
Meanwhile, Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat acknowledged the meeting but criticized its timing, stating, “The CCS meeting took place yesterday, yet it feels more like a reactive measure. Did the government fail to foresee this? The conflict has been ongoing for some time, which makes these actions appear belated. While it is a constructive step, we must see how effectively the government acts.”
He also noted, “With elections on the horizon, the BJP often seems to prioritize electoral interests. Given India's substantial reliance on West Asia for oil, the government ought to consider alternatives such as Latin America and Russia. Furthermore, after convening the CCS meeting, shouldn’t there also be an all-party discussion? A broader coalition is essential to manage the current circumstances effectively.”