Govt, Oppn spar over CISF deployment inside House

The Opposition and government on Tuesday traded barbs in the Rajya Sabha over deployment of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel designated as marshals in Parliament, stalling proceedings in the Upper House during the ongoing monsoon session.

- Smriti Kak Ramachandran and Prawesh Lama

While leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that the marshals were drawn from CISF and police force, deputy chairman Harivansh asserted they were not CISF personnel but “Parliament Security Service”.

Harivansh also criticised the leader for making public his letter to the Chair. “...Such communication between constitutional functionaries must remain confidential,” he added.

Kharge had last week raised the issue of CISF personnel being deputed as marshals in the Upper House and shot off a letter to the deputy chairman, objecting to their presence.

“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 are exercising their democratic right of protest...,