On March 23, 2026, the opposition in Lok Sabha maintained unusual calm during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first statement on the West Asia conflict. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra coordinated the opposition's response to avoid any disruptions.
New Delhi, March 23, 2026. On the 24th day of the US-Israel war with Iran amid India's LPG crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first Lok Sabha statement on the West Asia conflict was scheduled for 2 PM. Congress MP Manickam Tagore had given notice on the LPG issue, but the opposition chose to listen silently. A reporter arrived at the press gallery at 1:50 PM, finding it unusually empty. PM Modi entered at 1:56 PM in a white kurta and grey jacket. BJP MPs chanted 'Bharat Mata ki Jai'. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Manickam Tagore held a brief discussion and decided against disruptions. Asaduddin Owaisi entered at 1:59 PM. At 2 PM, PM Modi began, stating India imports 60% of its LPG and that energy diversification steps over the past 10 years are proving helpful. He called a blockage in the Strait of Hormuz unacceptable. Opposition benches remained silent; Priyanka listened attentively. TMC MPs arrived at 2:03 PM. The statement ended at 2:24 PM. Rahul Gandhi and KC Venugopal were absent. This marked a rare moment of maturity in parliamentary politics.