CPI(M) MP John Brittas Urges Parliament Resolution on Iran Conflict, Cites 2003 Iraq War Motion
Calls for united stand in Parliament, raises concerns over diaspora and economic impact of West Asia crisis.
John Brittas, a Rajya Sabha MP from the Communist Party of India (Marxist), on Tuesday called on the government to bring a parliamentary resolution on the ongoing Iran conflict, drawing parallels with India’s united stand during the 2003 Iraq war.
Speaking during Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, Brittas recalled that under former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, both Houses of Parliament had unanimously passed a resolution condemning the US-led war in Iraq. He urged the current government to take a similar step in response to the present crisis.
Brittas emphasized the need for a “united and unanimous voice” from Parliament against what he described as unilateral and illegal military actions by the United States and Israel on Iran. He said India should not remain silent on such a significant global issue.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent statement in the Lok Sabha, Brittas noted that while economic concerns and issues affecting the Indian diaspora were addressed, there was no clear mention of the broader conflict. He argued that the situation requires a firm and transparent position from India.
He also questioned the government’s stance, pointing out that while India had criticised Iran’s attacks on Gulf countries, it had not addressed the root causes of the current crisis.
In his remarks, Brittas took a swipe at differing views within the opposition as well. He said the government should not follow what he described as advice favouring silence, attributed to Shashi Tharoor, and instead consider the position of Mallikarjun Kharge, who has consistently demanded a discussion in Parliament on the issue.
Brittas further said that as a country with a history rooted in non-alignment, India should speak out not only for its national interest but also for broader humanitarian concerns. He urged the government to introduce a resolution that could be passed unanimously by both Houses.
Highlighting practical concerns, he raised the issue of around 700 Indian seafarers reportedly stranded in the Strait of Hormuz due to the conflict. He called for a system to ensure regular communication between them and their families.
He also proposed a rehabilitation package for Indians returning from Gulf countries, underlining the importance of remittances to India’s economy—especially for Kerala, where such inflows form a significant share of the state’s income.
The remarks come amid ongoing political debate over India’s response to the conflict, particularly following military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran in late February, which have escalated tensions across the region.
