Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana CMs condemn Parliament security breach, call for swift action

The incident sent shockwaves across the country as it came on the 22nd anniversary of the Parliament attack of 2001 in which eight people were killed. Five terrorists were also killed when the security personnel retaliated.

Related: Karnataka man among 4 held for Parliament security breach

Siddaramaiah blames security

Following the security breach in the Lok Sabha, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ordered a beef up of the security at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi, where the winter session is on till Friday.

Addressing the Assembly on Wednesday afternoon, Siddaramaiah condemned the security breach.

“Everyone should condemn this (incident). It is alarming for us as well. As per our information, our parliamentarian (referring to Mysuru MP Pratap Simha) has given the pass (to the intruders). I do not know whether it is right or wrong. It is a relief that all the parliamentarians are safe,” he said.

The attack on the Parliament building is shocking and disturbing and I condemn this act of violence. It is a relief that all the members of the Parliament are safe. Despite the high security, the occurrence of such an incident is indeed a shocking development. It is clear that this…

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) December 13, 2023

“As per the preliminary reports, there seems to be a security breach because they had opened gas canisters in Parliament.  It seems that security personnel have failed to check them properly. If they had inspected properly, it would be impossible to enter the House with such things,” he further said.

“If we had to go to the Central Hall, we would be frisked despite informing them that we are ministers and Opposition leaders. Despite such frisking, the security has been breached. I am not accusing anyone here. Prima facie, it was a lapse on the part of the security personnel,” he stated.

Siddaramaiah said there was a need to beef up the security at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. “We need to be cautious. I see hundreds of people in and around the House. I wonder how they all get in,” he said.

“It is important to be cautious to protect these places. I direct the home minister to beef up the security. I also appeal to the Speaker to instruct the staff to ensure tight security,” the chief minister said.

He directed the officials concerned to be careful while issuing entry passes to the Assembly and Legislative Council.

Related: Kharge demands statement from Union home minister

Stalin, Revanth Reddy demand swift action

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin condemned the security breach, terming it a “threat to Lok Sabha” and demanded swift action against the intruders.

“The unprecedented security breach in Parliament poses a dangerous threat to our august temple of democracy,” he said on X.

The unprecedented security breach in the parliament poses a dangerous threat to our august temple of democracy.

Swift action must be taken without delay. I appeal for launching a prompt investigation, fixing accountability, and implementing measures to prevent future lapses,…

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) December 13, 2023

“Swift action must be taken without delay. I appeal for launching a prompt investigation, fixing accountability, and implementing measures to prevent future lapses, ensuring the protection of this vital institution with all the might at our command,” Stalin added.

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also called for stringent action against those who breached Parliament’s security and created panic in the Lok Sabha.

“The security breach in Parliament is of serious concern. It is not just an assault on Parliament House but also on our democratic values,” Revanth Reddy said on X.

The security breach in Parliament is of serious concern. It is not just an assault on Parliament House but also on our democratic values.

I urge the Speaker @ombirlakota ji to conduct a thorough investigation and take stringent action against the perpetrators of this act.…

— Revanth Reddy (@revanth_anumula) December 13, 2023

Protest at Mysuru MP’s office

Meanwhile, Congress workers on Wednesday staged a protest outside the Mysuru office of local MP Pratap Simha after it emerged that the intruders entered the Lok Sabha premises by obtaining entry passes from the BJP leader.

The Congress workers apparently tried to lay siege on Simha’s office on the Jaladarshini Campus in Mysuru on Wednesday.

They raised slogans against him and also demanded his arrest. Simha is attending Parliament in Delhi.

.@INCIndia‘ Mysuru wing members stage protest against #Mysuru MP Pratap Simha, over the #SecurityBreach in the Lok Sabha.

The members of Congress demanded inquiry & arrest of MP @mepratap over the incident. They also urged the Lok Sabha Speaker to expel Simha from the… pic.twitter.com/NeQK1RF6II

— South First (@TheSouthfirst) December 13, 2023

Mysuru Congress Committee president Dr BJ Vijaykumar told reporters in Mysuru: “We condemn this incident. We are protesting against Mysuru MP for giving passes to intruders without verifying their background.”

He added: “We demand the authorities concerned to immediately arrest and put the BJP parliamentarian also under investigation. Before this, the Lok Sabha Speaker has to expel him from Parliament.”