Security personnel with arms, both central security forces and private security, will not be allowed inside West Bengal state assembly premises, except chief minister’s security, following directives of the Calcutta High Court, West Bengal Speaker Biman Banerjee said on Monday.
The Speaker said Parliament and other state assemblies also do not allow armed security inside the premises. The Speaker said equal treatment will be given to the security personnel of ministers and all others. The security staff can come to the assembly, drop the MLAs or ministers and then leave the assembly premises.
The HC had observed if opposition security staff is not allowed inside the House, no security staff will be allowed. “The chief minister’s security is essential inside and outside the assembly. So, I have allowed CM’s security. Restrictions will be applicable to all. No armed securities will be allowed, be it private, state or CISF,” the Speaker said.
After the Speaker’s comments, Leader of Opposition in state assembly Suvendu Adhikari said if the chief minister’s security or the personal security officer (PSO) of the CM enters the House premises, the BJP will move the Calcutta High Court.
“The state security and chief minister’s security should stay outside… We will move the court on September 5 if the HC order is violated. We will submit the footage also,” Adhikari said. “LoP Suvendu Adhikari can say whatever he likes. The court’s door is open to all,” the Speaker said. Adhikari and BJP chief whip Shankar Ghosh have moved the Calcutta HC challenging a notification issued by the Speaker prohibiting the entry of Central security forces into the premises of the assembly.
