Rahul Gandhi seeks discussion on conflict, fuel prices after Jaishankar makes statement: ‘Is West Asia not important?’

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. (File photo)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday criticised the Centre for not allowing a debate in Parliament on the ongoing West Asia conflict, warning of its potential impact on India’s economy.

“How much loss would the West Asia crisis cause? A fight towards a paradigm shift is going on. This will cause a major loss to our economy. You saw the stock market,” Gandhi said, referring to recent market fluctuations.

His comments came after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar briefed Parliament on the rapidly intensifying crisis in West Asia.

Gandhi questioned if the West Asia conflict was not an "important matter". "The country is going to suffer a major blow. So, what problem do they have in discussing that? We can have a discussion on other issues after that. Is West Asia not important? Fuel price and economic devastation are not important matters of discussion? These are public issues. We deem these important and want a discussion," he told reporters outside the House.

#WATCH | Delhi: Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi says, "How much loss would the West Asia crisis cause? A fight towards a paradigm shift is going on. This will cause a major loss to our economy. You saw the stock market. PM Modi has signed the deal with the US. The country is going to… pic.twitter.com/IlbMABStTZ

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— ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2026

He also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s deal with the US, saying, "But they do not want a discussion because other things will come out of that, because the PM's position will come out of it. How he is compromised and how he is being blackmailed will come up. So, they do not want to discuss. You saw how the PM ran away from the Parliament. He will not be able to come, I am telling you."

INDIA bloc MPs on Monday protested at the Makar Dwar of Parliament, raising slogans against the Centre over the West Asia conflict.

Rahul Gandhi and LoP in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, were also among the MPs protesting outside Parliament.

The leaders held a banner reading, "Gulf burning, oil shock. Indians stranded. India needs leadership- no silence."

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh justified the walk-out by the opposition benches saying, "As expected the External Affairs Minister made a suo moto statement on the situation in the Rajya Sabha on which no questions can be asked or clarifications sought. The entire Opposition wanted an immediate discussion on the West Asian situation. This was denied and hence the Opposition walkout after protests."