Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi on Thursday raised a storm in the Lok Sabha when he linked the government “being allowed” by the US to buy crude from Russia to Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri’s reported mention in the infamous Epstein files.Raising the issue of oil crisis as a result of the West Asia conflict in the Lok Sabha, Rahul began by referring to disruptions in crude supplies, pointing out that the energy crisis had only begun to play out and troubles for the common man might rise in the coming days.However, as soon as the LoP referred to Puri’s reported links to the Epstein files, Speaker Om Birla interjected and did not allow him to continue, saying that he was diverting from the topic.In the morning, Rahul had sought permission to raise the issue of oil crisis in the House, following which the Speaker, who presided over the proceedings on Thursday after the motion to remove him was defeated by a voice vote on March 11, allowed him speak during the discussion on the supplementary demands for grants.Incidentally, as per parliamentary norms, the LoP can raise any issue in the Lower House unless it is in contravention with national security. The LoP does not require permission to speak in the House, a privilege which is also enjoyed by the Leader of the Lower House — the Prime Minister.Birla said he would not allow the LoP to proceed as he was straying from the topic, amid protests from Opposition benches.In his brief remarks before being interrupted, Rahul said the war between US-Israel and Iran would have “far-reaching consequences”.“The central artery through which 20 per cent of global oil flows — the Strait of Hormuz — has been closed. This is going to have tremendous repercussions, particularly for us, because a very large portion of our oil and natural gas comes through the Strait of Hormuz,” the Congress leader said.Rahul then referred to statements made by US President Donald Trump and senior officials in his administration claiming that India had agreed to stop purchasing crude oil from Russia as part of ongoing trade negotiations between Washington and New Delhi.“Our relationship with different oil suppliers can be decided by us. This is what has been bartered. Why would a nation the size of India allow any other nation, the President of another nation to give us permission to buy Russian oil or to decide who our relationships are with,” he said.“We have a gentleman sitting here who is the oil minister. He himself has said he is a friend of Epstein…,” Rahul claimed before his microphone was cut off and protests erupted in the House.Rahul said he was “talking about oil security”. “I am talking about economic security; here I have a document which shows that his (Puri’s) daughter has received money from George Soros,” said the LoP.Amid the uproar, Birla said the LoP had been allowed to speak on the LPG shortage in the country, for which he had given a notice and he could not speak about other issues.Amid the uproar from opposition benches, Birla called Samajwadi Party’s Dharmendra Yadav to speak. Yadav said he would speak, but the LoP should be allowed to complete his speech.Earlier, talking to reporters at the Parliament House complex, Rahul said the government should immediately start preparing to deal with the emerging energy situation, failing which crores of people could face severe hardship.Reiterating that the Prime Minister was “trapped”, Rahul said, “There is a central problem here and I have been saying the problem is the PM is not able to function in his proper capacity and there is a reason for it — he is trapped.”The LoP said the government still had “some time” to act and must begin preparations without delay to protect the interests of citizens.