The Lok Sabha witnessed uproarious scenes and failed to function on Monday as Parliament resumed the Budget session of Parliament after a break, with the Congress-led Opposition demanding a discussion on the evolving situation in West Asia.The government, however, said it was ready to discuss the resolution seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla, which was listed in the day’s business and moved by Congress MPs Mohammad Jawed, K Suresh and Mallu Ravi.The government did not concede the Opposition’s demand for a discussion on the West Asia conflict. Sources indicated that the ruling side was keen on taking up the resolution seeking the Speaker’s removal, which is likely to be discussed on Tuesday (March 10).Sources further said while the Congress wanted the debate on the resolution to conclude on March 10 itself, the government may push for a more detailed discussion.Amid the impasse, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, who chaired the proceedings in Birla’s absence — the Speaker has not attended the House since the motion seeking his removal was moved before the break — repeatedly urged Congress members to take up the resolution. However, Opposition members trooped into the Well of the House with placards demanding a discussion on the West Asia conflict.During the din, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar read out a statement on the situation in West Asia.Following repeated adjournments and sustained protests by the Opposition, Pal eventually adjourned the House for the day shortly after 3 pm.Earlier, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused the Opposition of violating parliamentary norms. He said their notice seeking Birla’s removal had already been accepted and the government was ready to discuss it, but the Opposition was disrupting proceedings.Speaking to mediapersons in the Parliament complex, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was avoiding Parliament because he feared that his position on the West Asia situation and alleged “compromise and blackmail” would come to light if a debate took place.Responding to questions on the loss caused by disruptions in Parliament, Rahul said the economic consequences of developments in West Asia were more significant and argued that the issue required urgent debate.He added that a broader geopolitical shift was underway in West Asia and warned that it could have major economic implications for India, pointing to recent stock market movements and potential financial impacts.He further said issues such as fuel prices and the economic fallout of developments in West Asia were important public concerns and insisted that Parliament should debate these matters before taking up other business.Earlier, Jaishankar told Parliament that India’s approach to the West Asia conflict was guided by three principles: promoting peace, ensuring civilian safety and the security of the Indian community, and protecting national interests such as energy security and commerce.