Congress flags 'CISF takeover' of Rajya Sabha, government sources call them marshals

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.

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