NEW DELHI: A session of high drama and critical business unfolded in Parliament this week, with the government issuing a firm assurance on fuel supplies even as opposition parties pressed their attack on multiple fronts. From the LPG crisis to a motion seeking the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner, here are the key highlights.
Centre Assures No Fuel Shortage
As hotels and commercial establishments grapple with a cooking gas shortage, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday informed the Lok Sabha that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, kerosene, and aviation turbine fuel in the country.
Responding to Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s adjournment motion seeking a discussion on the LPG crisis, Puri warned against rumour-mongering. He stated that India is navigating the “most severe global energy disruption in recorded history” and urged the public to remain calm and rely on official information.
Lok Sabha: Speaker vs. Opposition
The Lower House witnessed heated exchanges over the conduct of Speaker Om Birla. The Speaker defended his decision to “protect” the Prime Minister from a protest by women MPs, and clarified that he has no control over turning off the microphones of Opposition members. His remarks came in response to an unsuccessful attempt by the Opposition to remove him as Chair.
The House also discussed demands for supplementary grants, though Opposition MPs reiterated their demand for a longer, more detailed discussion on the West Asia war.
Rajya Sabha: Attack on Farooq Abdullah Raised
In the Upper House, a grave incident was raised by National Conference MP Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan: an attack on party veteran Farooq Abdullah by an armed assailant. Ramzan alleged that the state police did not intervene at the time.
The accusation drew a sharp response from BJP MP Gulam Ali, who said, “They (Abdullahs) have kept poor Kashmiris at gunpoint and made Kashmir a graveyard.”
House Leader J.P. Nadda urged the Opposition not to politicize the attack and assured the House that the assailant would be brought to justice.
Removal Motion Against CEC
In a major political move, the Opposition is set to move a motion seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in both Houses. According to sources, the notices have garnered significant support:
- Lok Sabha: 130 MPs have signed the notice.
- Rajya Sabha: 63 MPs have signed the notice.
The motion adds another layer of confrontation between the government and the opposition in what is already a stormy parliamentary session.
