Opposition, Centre at loggerheads over 'CISF deployment' again

New Delhi: Rajya Sabha on Tuesday witnessed sharp exchanges between the Opposition and the government over deployment of security personnel to prevent MPs from rushing into the Well of the House, with Deputy Chairman Harivansh insisting that CISF personnel were not deployed inside the Chambers as claimed by Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge.

At the start of the proceedings at 11 AM, Harivansh referred to Kharge's letter last Friday and took exception to the Leader of Opposition making it public saying it is a "privileged communication".

Harivansh said it is a worrying fact that incidents of constant disruptions are occurring in the current session.

"We members should self-introspect whether such actions enhance the dignity and decorum of the House," he said while alleging that the Opposition’s conduct was “undemocratic”.

He referred to some Opposition MPs repeatedly going near MPs who have been given floor to speak and shouting slogans.

"It is not new for security personnel to be present in the House. The foundation of this service was laid in 1930 by the first elected Indian president of the Central Legislative Assembly, Vitthal Bhai Patel. These security personnel have been doing their job since then, and they are specially trained. They conduct their duties while keeping the dignity of the House in mind, without using any kind of force," Harivansh said.

Soon after, Kharge was given the floor and the Congress leader alleged that the Opposition MPs were prevented from entering the well by CISF personnel.

"CISF is being brought into the House. Are we terrorists?" Kharge said to which Harivansh shot back, "they were not from CISF. It is Parliamentary Security Service." Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju condemned Kharge's statement and said there is no police or CISF but only marshals entered the Chambers.

Rijiju alleged Kharge was misleading the House and putting forth wrong facts. When a misleading letter is written or a wrong fact is presented, what action needs to be taken? he asked.

Leader of the House J P Nadda asked the protesting MPs to take tuitions from him on how to behave as Opposition, saying he was in Opposition for 40 years. He said they would have to remain in Opposition for another 30-40 years and his tips would help them. "Any person who is in the House by the orders of the Chair is a marshal. He is not a member of any paramilitary," Nadda said.

During the afternoon session, Opposition alleged marshals who were deployed at the entrances of the Well prevented them from entering it while Renuka Chowdhury claimed she was prevented by male marshals and not women personnel.