The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has strongly refuted allegations of any lapses in its security measures following a heated altercation inside the Parliament House Complex, which resulted in injuries to two Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The incident, which has sparked widespread political controversy, has seen accusations and counter-accusations between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress, with the CISF choosing to maintain a neutral stance amidst the chaos.
Addressing the media, CISF Deputy Inspector General (Operations) Shrikant Kishore categorically denied any breaches in the force's security protocols. "There was no lapse (by the CISF). By lapse, if you mean some weapons were allowed inside, then I can tell you that no weapon was allowed," he asserted. Kishore emphasized that the force would not comment on the political blame game, stating, "We will keep quiet when the honourable members (MPs) make allegations." This remark highlights the CISF's intention to remain focused on its primary responsibility of ensuring the safety of the Parliament House Complex.
The altercation, which occurred near the 'Makar Dwar' entrance of Parliament House on December 19, led to injuries sustained by BJP MPs Pratap Sarangi, aged 69, from Balasore, Odisha, and Mukesh Rajput, aged 56, from Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh. The BJP accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of pushing the injured MPs during the scuffle. In turn, Gandhi alleged that BJP MPs had deliberately obstructed his entry into Parliament, further intensifying the political standoff.
Following the incident, BJP MP Hemang Joshi filed a complaint with the Delhi Police, accusing Rahul Gandhi of "physical assault and incitement." The police subsequently registered a case against Gandhi based on these allegations. Responding to the accusations, Gandhi dismissed the claims as baseless and asserted that the altercation was instigated by BJP members seeking to provoke him.
During his briefing, Kishore clarified that MPs are not subjected to frisking during their entry into the Parliament House Complex, as per established protocol. This measure is designed to respect their status while ensuring the security of the premises. Kishore assured the public that the CISF personnel assigned to Parliament security are well-trained and fully equipped to handle their responsibilities. "Parliament security is paramount," he reiterated, underscoring the force's commitment to safeguarding the legislative institution.
The two injured MPs, Sarangi and Rajput, were discharged from Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital on Monday. Medical evaluations revealed that Rajput had experienced symptoms such as dizziness and a sensation of heaviness in his head. Due to the heavy patient load at RML Hospital, both MPs were advised to seek further treatment at Kailash Hospital in Noida.
The incident has triggered significant political unrest, with the BJP and Congress trading accusations in and outside the parliamentary chambers. While the CISF has remained focused on fulfilling its mandate, the altercation has deepened the existing divide between the ruling party and the opposition. The controversy has cast a shadow over the ongoing parliamentary session, with lawmakers from both sides calling for investigations and accountability.
The scuffle has also reignited debates over the decorum and conduct expected within the Parliament House Complex. Analysts and political commentators have expressed concern over the erosion of mutual respect among elected representatives, with many calling for measures to restore order and civility in the nation's highest legislative body. As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen whether a resolution can be reached or if the incident will further exacerbate tensions between the BJP and Congress, influencing the broader political landscape.
