Congress Leaders Condemn CISF Intervention in Rajya Sabha Protests

In a recent incident in the Rajya Sabha, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the deployment of CISF personnel to quell Opposition protests. He expressed shock and called for accountability in a letter to the Deputy Chairman. The controversy arose following the unexpected resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. While Kharge condemned the security intervention, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the actions, citing aggressive behavior from some MPs. The ongoing protests are centered around the revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, with Opposition parties demanding a discussion on the issue. This situation raises significant questions about the balance between security and parliamentary democracy.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 1, 2025, 16:14 IST

Opposition Outcry Over Security Forces in Parliament

The president of the Congress party, Mallikarjun Kharge, expressed his outrage on Friday, claiming that Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel were deployed into the well of the Rajya Sabha to suppress protests by Opposition members.

In a letter addressed to the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, Kharge stated, “We are astonished and shocked.” He noted that the CISF had intervened during protests on both Thursday and Friday, calling the action “most objectionable” and demanding accountability.

Kharge's correspondence emphasized the expectation that such security interventions would not occur in the future when Members of Parliament are addressing significant public issues.

Jairam Ramesh, a fellow Congress member, shared Kharge's letter on social media, highlighting the perceived 'takeover' of the chamber by security forces following the unexpected resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who also serves as the chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.

In response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed the Opposition's claims, asserting that the heightened security was a necessary measure due to aggressive behavior from some MPs. He explained that the deployment of CISF was a response to demands for increased security.

Rijiju clarified that the security forces were present to prevent any physical confrontations within the House, assuring that no MP would be hindered from voicing their opinions.

“Marshals and security inside the House will not take any action until MPs engage in inappropriate behavior,” he stated.

The Rajya Sabha's proceedings were suspended on Friday amid ongoing protests from Opposition leaders regarding the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.

Reports indicated that some members entered the well of the House, vocally opposing the electoral roll exercise.

Since the commencement of the Monsoon Session on July 21, Opposition parties have been calling for a discussion on this matter and its retraction.