Entry of Parliament Security into House Is Normal Practice, Says Deputy Chairman Amid Kharge-CISF Row

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Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday clarified that the entry of Parliament security personnel into the House is a routine and accepted procedure, responding to allegations raised by Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge regarding the role of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

Kharge had accused the CISF of overstepping its mandate by entering the Rajya Sabha chamber and alleged that the force was interfering with parliamentary functioning. He questioned the legitimacy of their presence and claimed that it violated House protocol.

In response, Deputy Chairman Dhankhar stated in the Upper House that the presence of security officials inside Parliament is neither new nor out of order. “Security personnel have historically been present when needed to maintain order and ensure the safety of all members,” he said. He added that their entry is coordinated through proper channels and follows established norms.

The CISF, which is responsible for Parliament security, also issued a statement defending its conduct, calling Kharge’s comments politically motivated and damaging to the morale of its personnel. The force maintained that its actions were in line with duty and protocol.

Government leaders supported Dhankhar’s statement, noting that the functioning of Parliament must not be hampered by unnecessary controversy, especially when it concerns security procedures designed to protect legislators and the institution itself.

Opposition parties, however, stood by Kharge, expressing concerns over what they called increasing interference in legislative spaces. They demanded clarity on the guidelines governing the presence of security personnel inside the House and questioned whether proper authorizations were followed in recent incidents.

The issue is likely to be taken up for discussion by parliamentary committees to examine existing rules and ensure that the balance between security and legislative autonomy is preserved.