New Delhi, 12 March (H.S.): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla reprimanded Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi during a discussion on the LPG cylinder crisis, urging him to maintain the House's dignity and adhere strictly to parliamentary rules.

Birla emphasized that Gandhi had submitted notice specifically on the gas crisis and energy security, for which permission was granted. He intervened when Gandhi veered into unrelated topics like Jeffrey Epstein and George Soros, stating such deviations without prior notice violate parliamentary procedure.

As a responsible opposition leader, Gandhi must confine remarks to approved subjects, with the Speaker underscoring that the House operates by established rules binding all members.

Rahul Gandhi highlighted escalating conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, warning of severe repercussions for India. He noted the Strait of Hormuz—through which 20% of global oil passes—has closed, disrupting India's oil and natural gas supplies and triggering chaos with restaurant closures, LPG shortages, and hardship for roadside vendors.

He stressed energy security as a nation's foundation, alleging India allows foreign powers to dictate its oil and gas purchases under a mysterious puzzle agreement, and claimed evidence linking the oil minister to Epstein, with Soros funding his daughter.

Om Birla promptly halted Gandhi, reiterating that only energy security was permitted and external references require authentication per rules. He affirmed the House will function solely by procedures, with dignity as a collective duty.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar