New Delhi, March 12 Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday termed Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi's remarks on the reported LPG shortage as "misleading," and accused him of pursuing a "foreign agenda" by raising "baseless" issues in the Lok Sabha to undermine the country's stature.
Goyal also criticized Gandhi and Congress members for holding a protest at the entrance of Parliament, violating Speaker Om Birla's ruling, and demanded action against them.
Asserting that the foundation of every nation is its energy security, Gandhi on Thursday alleged that the government has "compromised" with the US, relinquishing India's right to determine its relations with different oil suppliers.
Raising the issue in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi also said the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran is likely to have far-reaching consequences.
"An important debate on the Union Budget was underway, but it was interrupted to allow the Leader of the Opposition to speak. However, he showed no concern for the consumers or the seriousness of the issue.
"I believe this is merely a misleading tactic employed by Rahul Gandhi—that he is concerned about the consumers or LPG cylinders. He only wants to bring baseless issues into the House and raise matters to undermine the country's standing. His agenda is not in the national interest," Goyal alleged.
"I demand action against Rahul Gandhi, his party members, and all those present at the entrance of Parliament, violating the rules of the House. The Speaker has clearly ordered that no demonstrations are allowed there. Yet, they are not only staging a demonstration—they are also having a party, eating toast, biscuits, and drinking tea.
"They have turned what we consider the sacred space, the temple of democracy, into a place for such behaviour," the minister told reporters inside the Parliament complex.
Goyal also accused Gandhi of once again violating parliamentary rules and deviating from the subject under discussion.
"Once again, we have found the Leader of the Opposition violating all the rules and procedures of Parliament. The Speaker, with complete impartiality, repeatedly stated that everyone would be given an opportunity and time to speak on pressing issues.
"Gandhi sought time to discuss the alleged LPG shortage. The Speaker granted that time. But once again, we saw how Rahul Gandhi did not acknowledge the seriousness of the issue and instead displayed irresponsibility," he said.
"The Speaker repeatedly reminded the members that the discussion must remain focused on the subject being debated. Yet, we once again witnessed Gandhi's irresponsible conduct today. We saw how he did not want to follow the rules or the House proceedings to continue," the minister added.
On LPG supply, Goyal said Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has already provided a detailed clarification, assuring that the situation is under control.
"The minister has given a very detailed statement informing the nation. I am confident that people will believe that the situation is completely under control. There is no need for panic buying, and everyone's needs will be met," Goyal said.
The minister also alleged that the opposition's no-confidence motion against Speaker Birla was a "misleading tactic" aimed at disrupting the functioning of the House.
"Even the no-confidence motion against the Speaker was merely a misleading tactic. The opposition has once again demonstrated that they have no interest in allowing the House to function," he said.
