The Australian political landscape is currently witnessing turmoil within the Coalition, sparked by controversial comments made by Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price regarding Indian migrants and the Labor party. The Northern Territory senator has declined to apologize for her remarks and has also refused to express confidence in Sussan Ley's leadership of the Liberal party.

Price's initial comments suggested that the Labor government was deliberately promoting migration from specific ethnic groups, including Indians, to bolster their electoral support. These remarks followed anti-immigration protests that specifically targeted Indian-Australians, adding fuel to the fire. The comments have been met with public backlash and internal fallout within the Liberal party.

In the aftermath, Sussan Ley, the leader of the Liberal Party, has attempted to manage the damage. While Ley has affirmed her "full support" and "deep appreciation" for the Indian community, she has stopped short of issuing a direct apology for Price's comments. Ley stated that the remarks "should not have been made" but also said, "Others will make their own remarks, I know that as leader the most important message I can send is that appreciation of our Indian community heard directly from me as leader".

Price has defended her statements, asserting that she did not intend to be disparaging towards the Indian community and regrets not being clearer in her initial comments. She acknowledged the distress caused to many Australians of Indian ancestry and Indian migrants living in Australia. Price has also highlighted the "strong record of integration" of Indian migrants, their embrace of Australian values, and their contributions to various fields.

Adding another layer to the controversy, Price has accused a senior colleague, Alex Hawke, of "berating her staff" after he contacted her office regarding the comments. She stated that Hawke implied she might face consequences similar to another unnamed female member of the Coalition if she did not comply with his requests. Hawke has acknowledged speaking with Price but stated that he "accepted her explanation of how her comments have been misinterpreted".

The situation has divided the Liberal party, with some members calling for Price to apologize. However, a number of right-leaning MPs have rallied around Price, offering her public support. Figures such as Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson, Nationals Senator Matt Canavan, and Victorian state Liberal MP Moira Deeming have issued statements backing Price.

The controversy has triggered a broader debate about migration policies and social cohesion in Australia. Some members of the Indian community have expressed feelings of hurt and disappointment. Sreeni Pillamarri, a Liberal representative on Parramatta City Council, stated that Price's comments were "not acceptable".

Amid the fallout, Ley visited the western Sydney suburb of Harris Park, also known as Little India, in an attempt to smooth over relations. She met with local business owners and community members, reiterating the Coalition's support for the Indian diaspora.