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CISF
A fresh political controversy erupted on Thursday as the Congress party raised concerns over what it described as the “takeover” of the Rajya Sabha chamber by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel following the sudden resignation of the Upper House Chairman.
In a sharp statement, the Congress said, “After the sudden and unprecedented resignation of the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, we are now witnessing the takeover of the Council of States chamber by CISF personnel.”
The party further revealed that the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha has written to the Deputy Chairman expressing concern over this “shocking development.”
However, government sources dismissed the claims, clarifying that the personnel present inside the Rajya Sabha were not part of any new or external security operation but were existing marshals drawn from the CISF, assigned to manage proceedings in the House.
“The personnel deployed in the Rajya Sabha are marshals. They are from the CISF. When outside the Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha, they are referred to as CISF personnel; when inside, they function as marshals,” a senior government source explained.
The source further justified the increased deployment, citing an incident during a recent session. “Yesterday, when AAP MP Ashok Mittal was speaking, a TMC MP intervened, created a ruckus, and used Mittal’s microphone. This led to a disruption in the House,” the source said.
In response, security inside the Rajya Sabha has reportedly been strengthened to ensure orderly conduct and prevent interruptions when members from the treasury benches are speaking.
While the Congress has flagged the development as unusual and politically motivated, the government maintains it is purely a procedural and security-related matter. The incident adds to the already tense atmosphere in Parliament amid heated debates and walkouts.
The Rajya Sabha, India’s Upper House of Parliament, has often been a stage for heated debates and dramatic walkouts. Recently, it witnessed a new controversy after the Congress flagged what it described as a “CISF-style takeover.” Opposition leaders alleged that security personnel stationed inside and around the Rajya Sabha resembled paramilitary forces, creating an atmosphere of intimidation.
Government sources, however, clarified that these individuals were not Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel but Parliamentary marshals—a long-standing institution responsible for maintaining decorum in the House. Officials emphasized that their presence was aimed at ensuring smooth functioning, order, and the safety of both lawmakers and staff.
Opposition Concerns
Congress leaders argued that the sight of uniformed marshals in significant numbers resembled a paramilitary deployment. They linked it to a broader narrative of shrinking democratic space and accused the government of turning Parliament into a “fortified zone.” According to opposition MPs, the visual optics of marshals standing at strategic points sent a signal that dissent would be met with physical restraint rather than democratic dialogue.
Some opposition members even claimed that such deployment could discourage healthy debate, as legislators might feel “under surveillance.”
Government’s Clarification
Government sources were quick to dismiss these allegations as misleading and exaggerated. They clarified that marshals have been part of parliamentary proceedings for decades and are deployed to maintain order, particularly during sessions marked by disruptions. Their attire, modeled on military-style uniforms, has often created confusion, but officials emphasized that these are ceremonial and not linked to any paramilitary force.
“Marshals are part of the parliamentary tradition. They are there to assist the Chair, ensure discipline, and provide support during emergencies. Their role is purely administrative, not coercive,” said a senior government source.
The government’s stance framed the deployment as a positive step to safeguard democratic functioning. With recent sessions disrupted by protests, slogans, and even physical scuffles, marshals have become vital in protecting the dignity of the House.
Why Marshals Matter
Parliamentary marshals are tasked with ensuring that debates proceed without undue interruption. They help escort members if asked by the Chair, facilitate smooth entry and exit during high-security events, and maintain decorum when tempers flare. Their presence, according to supporters, is not about intimidation but about protecting the sanctity of legislative proceedings.
At a time when parliamentary disruptions have been on the rise, their visibility underscores the importance of balancing free speech with orderly conduct.
Public Reaction
Public opinion has been mixed, but many citizens see the clarification as reassuring. On social media, several users noted that while heated debates are a hallmark of democracy, discipline and respect inside the House are equally important. Supporters of the government’s position highlighted that marshals prevent chaos from overshadowing meaningful discussions on policy and governance.
Conclusion
The controversy over a supposed “CISF takeover” of the Rajya Sabha appears to have stemmed more from perception than reality. While the opposition expressed genuine concerns about optics, government sources reinforced that the individuals present were marshals—symbols of parliamentary tradition and guardians of order.
Ultimately, their presence ensured that despite the tension, the Rajya Sabha continued to function smoothly, enabling lawmakers to focus on debates that shape India’s future. In a democracy as vibrant as India’s, maintaining that balance between spirited opposition and dignified order remains essential.
– Ends
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