Parliament Budget Session: LPG Crisis and CEC Removal Notice Take Center Stage
The second and final leg of Parliament's Budget session, which resumed on Monday and is scheduled to conclude on April 2, witnessed intense discussions on Friday as the reported shortage of gas cylinders in the country dominated proceedings. The issue, linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, prompted significant political maneuvering from both the government and opposition benches.
AAP MP Sanjay Singh Moves Notice on LPG Shortage
Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh moved a Suspension of Business Notice under Rule 267, demanding an immediate discussion on the shortage of LPG in the country. The notice specifically highlighted the rising prices of commercial gas and its severe impact on the hotel and restaurant industry across India.
This move came after Trinamool Congress MPs staged a protest in the Parliament complex against what they termed the "LPG situation." Female TMC MPs had brought utensils to the Lok Sabha on Thursday and banged plates to draw attention to the crisis, with the party planning further protests at 10:30 am before Friday's session began.
Opposition Warns of Energy Security Crisis
Leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi delivered a stark warning in the Lok Sabha on Thursday about "serious consequences" for India's energy security amid the escalating Middle East conflict. With Union petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri present in the House, Gandhi pointed to the critical situation developing around the Strait of Hormuz.
"A war has broken out in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel and Iran, and it will have far-reaching consequences," Gandhi stated. "The Strait of Hormuz, the central artery through which around 20% of global oil flows, has been closed. This will have tremendous repercussions, particularly for India, as a large share of our oil and natural gas passes through this route."
The opposition leader painted a grim picture of the immediate impact, noting that "the pain has just started" with restaurants closing and widespread panic about LPG availability. He also questioned why India would "allow" another country—in a veiled reference to the United States—to decide "who we buy our oil and gas from."
Government Assures Adequate Energy Supplies
In response to these concerns, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri assured the Lok Sabha that India is "successfully navigating" the disruption in global energy supplies. The minister emphasized that the country has adequate gas production and supply arrangements to sustain itself even if the Middle East conflict continues for a prolonged period.
"Power generation for households as well as industry is fully protected," Puri stated categorically. He added that there is "no shortage of petrol, diesel, kerosene, ATF or fuel oil" in the country, seeking to allay public concerns about energy availability.
Opposition Prepares Notice for CEC Removal
In a separate but significant development, the opposition is likely to submit a notice seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Friday. With 130 Lok Sabha MPs and 63 Rajya Sabha MPs having already signed the notice—exceeding the required thresholds of 100 and 50 respectively—the move represents a major challenge to the election authority.
According to parliamentary sources, it remained unclear until late Thursday evening which House would receive the notice first. Since the opposition plans to submit the notice to the presiding officers of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, it may be presented to one House on Friday and the other on Monday, following established procedural norms.
Other Key Parliamentary Developments
Several other important matters are scheduled for parliamentary consideration on Friday:
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to move the Appropriation Bill, 2026, for introduction, consideration and passing in the Lok Sabha. The Bill seeks to authorize payment and appropriation of certain further sums from the Consolidated Fund of India for the financial year 2025-26.
- The House will also take up further discussion and voting on the Supplementary Demands for Grants (Second Batch) for 2025-26, along with discussion on Demand for Grants under the control of the Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare for 2026-27.
- The government informed Parliament that there are nearly 9,000 Indian nationals in Iran at present, including students, businesspersons, factory workers, pilgrims, seafarers, and fishermen. Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita stated that the Indian Embassy has advised these citizens to exercise utmost caution and maintain situational awareness.
Speaker Om Birla Returns Amid Controversy
Speaker Om Birla resumed presiding over House proceedings on Thursday, a day after the opposition's no-confidence motion against him—alleging bias in favour of the government—was defeated in the Lok Sabha. Birla asserted that the House functions strictly according to rules and that "no member has the privilege to speak at any time and on any subject."
"Any member of the House can be satisfied or dissatisfied with the rules and proceedings of the House, but to enforce the rules is my responsibility and duty," Birla stated. "Whenever any member attacks the dignity of the House, then I have to make difficult decisions to maintain the House's dignity." The BJP MP reiterated his commitment to carrying out duties "fairly and impartially," though his return was met with protests and heavy sloganeering from opposition members.
As Parliament reconvened at 11 am on Friday after being adjourned the previous day following opposition demands for discussion on the Gulf crisis, the stage was set for another day of intense political debate and procedural maneuvers, with energy security and electoral integrity emerging as the dominant themes of this crucial Budget session.
