New Delhi: On April 1, 2026, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge questioned the Modi government, asking why it was running away from a debate in the House on the LPG crisis in the country.

He also took strong exception to the treasury benches questioning his absence from the All-Party meeting on the Middle East crisis. “Where was your Prime Minister?” Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge asked, pointing out that the PM himself was not present in the meeting while he had sent his representatives.

Shri Mallikarjun Kharge noted that the government brings bills, agrees to discussions, and makes statements “at its convenience,” while avoiding debate on important issues. He said that he had written twice seeking a short-duration discussion under Rule 176 on the LPG crisis, but the government did not allot time for it.

Congress President pointed out that there was a global crisis regarding essential commodities like LPG and gas, and prices were rising in India as well, but the government was not prepared to allow a debate on the issue.

He accused the government of rejecting opposition suggestions and pushing through its own agenda. He pointed out that matters were being passed forcibly through voice vote without adequate discussion, asking, “Is this democracy?” The Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Shri Mallikarjun Kharge said that he had hoped for fair treatment for the opposition under the new Chairman, but that did not happen. He asserted that lack of time is not a valid reason and that all important issues should be given adequate time for discussion.