New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) RLD MP Rajkumar Sangwan on Wednesday claimed that he has never seen the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, attending all-party meetings. He said that such meetings are crucial for ensuring the smooth functioning of Parliament.
Speaking to IANS, Sangwan said that if Opposition leaders have concerns or issues, they should raise them during these meetings so that proceedings can continue without disruption.
“After this incident, whenever all-party meetings have been held, I have not seen Rahul Gandhi attend any of them so far,” he said.
Sangwan further questioned LoP Gandhi’s absence, stating, “He never comes, so how can one expect that he will attend now? It is important for him to be present at all-party meetings whenever they are held, as they are essential for the smooth functioning of Parliament.”
He added that Parliament involves significant expenditure, and it is important for all stakeholders to contribute constructively. “The government wants to work on the issues raised by MPs. However, it would be a different matter if they do not want Parliament to function,” he told IANS.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah will chair the all-party meeting on Wednesday evening to brief political leaders on the evolving crisis in West Asia, amid rising concerns over its economic and security implications for India.
Five to six ministers, including External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, will attend the meeting on behalf of the government.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will provide a briefing on the latest situation in West Asia during the meeting.
The meeting is scheduled for 5 P.M. inside the Parliament complex.
The initiative follows statements made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in both Houses of Parliament, where he described the situation as an “unprecedented crisis” with potentially long-lasting consequences.
The conflict in West Asia has now entered its fourth week, disrupting key maritime trade routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. The tensions have contributed to volatility in global energy markets and raised concerns over supply chains and inflation, prompting the government to step up consultations with political stakeholders.
Opposition parties, including the Congress, have been pressing the government for a detailed discussion in Parliament on the issue. In the Rajya Sabha, Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the government’s decision to opt for a briefing instead of a full debate, arguing that the gravity of the situation warranted a comprehensive discussion in the House.
Rahul Gandhi, also attacked the government, alleging that India’s foreign policy has become “compromised” and driven by personal considerations rather than national interest. While welcoming the move to hold an all-party meeting, LoP Gandhi stated that he would be unable to attend due to a prior engagement in Kerala.
The all-party meeting comes a day after Rajnath Singh chaired a high-level security review attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the three service chiefs, and senior officials, including DRDO Chairman Dr Samir Kamat, to assess the evolving regional situation.
With geopolitical tensions escalating and their global fallout becoming more pronounced, the meeting is expected to serve as a key platform for the government to brief Opposition leaders and seek broader political consensus on India’s approach to the crisis.
–IANS
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