The Rajya Sabha descended into chaos on Tuesday as the Opposition, led by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, clashed with the treasury benches over the alleged deployment of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel in the House to curb protests. Deputy Chairman Harivansh firmly rejected the claims, asserting that only Parliamentary Security Service (PSS) marshals were present, not CISF, and criticized Kharge for publicizing a privileged letter on the issue, escalating tensions.

The uproar began after Kharge’s August 1 letter to Harivansh, which condemned the alleged entry of CISF personnel into the Well of the House during Opposition protests, calling it “shocking” and “undemocratic.” Kharge reiterated his stance in the House, questioning, “Are we terrorists?” and citing past BJP leaders Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj, who defended disruptions as part of democratic expression. He further provoked the ruling side by asking if the House was being run by Home Minister Amit Shah, to whom the CISF reports, prompting sharp objections from treasury benches.

Harivansh countered, emphasizing that only PSS marshals, a practice established by Vithalbhai Patel in 1930, were deployed to maintain decorum. “These personnel are specially trained and act without force, respecting the House’s dignity,” he said, citing Jawaharlal Nehru’s remarks on parliamentary conduct. He expressed dismay over Kharge’s letter being shared with the media, calling it a breach of privileged communication, and lamented the Opposition’s repeated disruptions, including violations of Rules 235 and 238 by entering the Well and raising slogans.

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Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused Kharge of misleading the House, stating, “Only marshals were present. No MPs are stopped from speaking unless they cross boundaries.” Leader of the House J.P. Nadda escalated the rhetoric, labeling the Opposition’s actions as “anarchism” and suggesting they “take tuition” from him, given his 40 years in opposition. The session saw further protests over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, with 34 adjournment notices under Rule 267 rejected by Harivansh for not meeting procedural norms, leading to the House’s adjournment until 2 p.m. and later for the day.

The controversy follows the CISF’s takeover of Parliament security in May 2024 after a December 2023 breach, replacing Delhi Police, PSS, and CRPF. Eyewitness accounts noted six CISF personnel forming a human chain in the Well on August 1, fueling the Opposition’s outrage. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh, sharing Kharge’s letter on X, called it a “takeover” of the Rajya Sabha, while TMC’s Sagarika Ghose labeled the security presence an “affront to democracy.” The government, however, insists that enhanced security was demanded by MPs themselves to prevent aggressive disruptions, such as climbing treasury benches.

The Monsoon Session, already marred by procedural gridlock, remains stalled, with the Opposition demanding discussions on issues like SIR in Bihar. Harivansh warned that actions like snatching papers or stifling microphones could constitute a breach of privilege, urging members to introspect on upholding the House’s dignity.

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