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Rahul Gandhi’s Parliament Speech Sparks Dispute Over LPG Debate
A heated exchange unfolded in the Lok Sabha after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke under special permission to raise concerns about the LPG situation but was accused by ruling party members of deviating from the topic.
Speaker Om Birla had allowed Gandhi to address the House specifically on the issue of LPG supply disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia and concerns over shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. However, several BJP leaders alleged that Gandhi expanded his remarks to unrelated global and political issues.
During his speech, Gandhi warned of potential economic consequences, claiming that businesses such as restaurants and street vendors were already facing difficulties due to concerns about LPG availability. He also linked the issue to broader questions of India’s energy security.
Union ministers including Hardeep Singh Puri, Piyush Goyal and Kiren Rijiju criticised Gandhi’s remarks, arguing that he had misused the opportunity by straying from the agenda.
Speaker Birla intervened during the debate, urging Gandhi to limit his speech to the subject mentioned in the notice submitted to the House. He also rejected allegations that microphones of opposition members were switched off, explaining that the chair does not control the microphone system.
The situation escalated when Gandhi shifted his remarks toward allegations involving Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri. BJP members objected strongly, while Congress MPs moved into the well of the House in protest.
Amid the uproar, papers were reportedly torn and thrown, leading to the adjournment of proceedings.
Later, Puri dismissed concerns about LPG shortages, stating that India’s crude oil supply remained secure due to diversified imports from around 40 countries and diplomatic efforts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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