Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Friday strongly objected to the entry of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel into the Well of the House, calling it a deeply troubling and unprecedented move during routine parliamentary protests.
In a letter addressed to Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Kharge wrote:
“We are astonished and shocked at the manner in which CISF personnel are made to run into the Well of the House when the members were exercising their democratic right of protest.”
The Congress president noted that the move appeared both unnecessary and extreme, questioning the very sanctity of the Upper House:
“We saw this yesterday, and we saw this today as well. Has our Parliament been reduced to such a level? This is most objectionable and we condemn it unequivocally.”
Protests Spark Security Reaction
Kharge’s letter came hours after members from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) tried to enter the Well of the House to protest the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar.
Although security guards and marshals initially barred admission, a few MPs were able to enter by waving placards and chanting slogans. Six CISF members responded by entering the Well and allegedly formed a human chain in front of the Chair, which infuriated and perplexed the opposition MPs.
Eyewitnesses said a similar scene unfolded on Thursday, when three personnel stood guard near protesting MPs.
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CISF’s New Role Post Parliament Breach
This deployment represents a significant protocol shift. After the House floor was breached by attackers on December 13, 2023, the CISF formally assumed responsibility for Parliament security in May 2024.
Previously, security was a joint responsibility of the Delhi Police, Parliamentary Security Service (PSS), and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Traditionally, marshals—not uniformed security forces—handled disruptions inside the chambers and only entered on the Speaker’s or Chair’s command.
An official familiar with the matter said:
“This season, CISF personnel are on marshal duty too. The new marshals entered the House only after they were called by officials. However, unlike the old PSS marshals, they are unfamiliar faces to MPs, which caused the confusion.”
Opposition Sees Threat to Democratic Norms
Kharge’s reaction reflects a growing sense of alarm within Opposition ranks over what they describe as the militarization of parliamentary space.
During future meetings, a number of parties are anticipated to bring up the matter, requesting an explanation of who authorized their access and if the CISF’s involvement was justified. Deploying uniformed soldiers during democratic protests, according to critics, runs the risk of sending a chilling message about dissent in India’s top legislative body.
