Kharge writes to Rajya Sabha chairman for discussion on India's energy security
New Delhi (PTI): Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday wrote to Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan, reiterating his request for an immediate short-duration discussion on India's energy security amid the Israel-Iran war.
In his letter, Kharge said, "I am grateful to you for permitting me to raise, on behalf of the entire Opposition, the demand for a Short Duration Discussion under Rule 176 on the subject 'Emerging Challenges for India's Energy Security'."
"During the proceedings, you had kindly indicated that you would get back to us regarding this demand," the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha said.
"In view of the urgency and national importance of the issue, I would respectfully request that the matter may kindly be taken up at the earliest," Kharge said.
Earlier in the day, Kharge had demanded a short-duration discussion in the Upper House on emerging challenges to India's energy security amid the West Asia conflict.
When the House met for the day, Kharge mentioned the Rs 60-per-cylinder hike in domestic cooking gas LPG prices and the Rs 115 increase in commercial gas rates, among the justifications he gave for admission of his notice under rule 176.
The cooking gas price increase has burdened the poor, he said. "Therefore, I urge you to please allow a short-duration discussion on this important subject."
Radhakrishnan said he will come back after giving due consideration to the notice.
Kharge said the fast-evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia is no longer confined to the region, and its impact is clearly visible on India's energy security as well.
The conflict is now impacting India's image and prestige, he said, adding that the country imports about 55 per cent of its crude oil needs from the region.
"The conflict is now directly impacting the country's economic stability," he said.
He said about 1 crore Indians work in the region, and there were reports of some Indians being killed or missing in the ongoing conflict.
"India received about USD 51 billion in remittances from Gulf countries," he pointed out.
Kharge made his submission just before External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made a suo motu statement on the situation in West Asia.
The Congress and other opposition parties protested against him, saying a short-duration discussion should precede such a move.
They shouted slogans during Jaishankar's statement before walking out at the fag end of the statement.
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Surjewala slams Pratap Simha’s ‘vile’ remarks on CM Siddaramaiah, demands apology from BJP
Bengaluru (PTI): Congress general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the BJP over alleged disparaging remarks made by former Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during an assembly bypoll campaign in Bagalkote.
Simha made the remarks while campaigning for BJP candidate Veerabhadrayya Charantimath, triggering a political row ahead of the by-elections scheduled for April 9.
Congress has fielded Umesh Meti, son of former MLA late M Y Meti, whose death necessitated the bye-election.
"Pratap Simha's vile remarks about Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Bagalkot have exposed the BJP's despicable politics once again," Surjewala said in a social media post.
Alleging a larger political design, he added, "It is increasingly evident that Pratap Simha’s outburst is driven by desperation," and accused the BJP of using such remarks to target backward classes, Scheduled Castes, and minorities.
The Rajya Sabha member further claimed that the incident reflects a pattern within the party. "This is not one man's madness—it is the BJP’s political culture," he said, adding that the remarks were aimed at "denigrating leaders from marginalised communities".
Referring to past incidents, Surjewala said, "CM Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar have received death threats in the past, including one from BJP leaders who warned that their bodies would be stuffed into a refrigerator."
The Congress leader also criticised the BJP’s bypoll campaign strategy, alleging "internal contradictions".
He pointed to the party’s use of expelled MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal in campaigning despite earlier disciplinary action against him, accusing the BJP of resorting to "abuses and indignities" against opposition leaders.
Surjewala demanded immediate action from the BJP leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP national president Nitin Nabin, state president B Y Vijayendra, and Leader of Opposition R Ashoka.
He said they must tender a public apology to Kannadigas, particularly to OBCs, SCs, and minorities, over the remarks, and urged the party to expel Simha if it does not repudiate his statements.
Surjewala also called for legal action, demanding that an FIR be registered against Simha and that strict measures be taken.
Warning of "political consequences", he said the electorate in the bypoll-bound constituencies would respond decisively if the BJP failed to apologise, asserting that voters would "teach the BJP a befitting lesson" in the elections.
There has been no immediate reaction from the saffron party yet.
