New Delhi, December 6, 2024 – A dramatic turn of events unfolded in the Rajya Sabha today after security personnel discovered a bundle of cash on the seat assigned to Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi. The incident, revealed during a routine anti-sabotage check following the House’s adjournment yesterday, has ignited debates and accusations from both treasury and opposition benches.
Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar informed the House about the recovery, stating that the currency notes were found at seat number 222, allocated to Mr. Singhvi, who represents Telangana. The chairman also confirmed that an inquiry into the matter is underway.
The Congress party’s leader in the House, Mallikarjun Kharge, expressed his agreement with the investigation but objected to naming the MP publicly before the probe was concluded.
MP’s Response and Timeline
Reacting to the controversy, Mr. Singhvi provided a detailed timeline of his activities in the House on the day the cash was found. He stated that he spent only three minutes in the chamber and later went to the canteen for half an hour before leaving Parliament. He dismissed the discovery as “bizarre” and questioned the politics surrounding it.
Singhvi emphasized the need for stronger measures to prevent such incidents in the future, suggesting that MPs’ seats be equipped with locks to ensure their security.
Political Reactions
The incident led to heated exchanges between ruling party members and the opposition. BJP chief JP Nadda criticized the event, calling it an affront to the integrity of the Rajya Sabha. Meanwhile, BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi alleged that the Congress party’s response lacked clarity and accused the party of dismissing the matter casually.
The BJP also linked the discovery to previous corruption allegations against the Congress, further escalating tensions.
Probe and Implications
The discovery has raised concerns about security protocols within Parliament. The Chairman mentioned that the matter was brought to the floor of the House after no one claimed the money. The incident is being seen as a potential breach of conduct and is expected to be thoroughly investigated to maintain the sanctity of the institution.
The development has added a new layer of contention in an already polarized political environment, leaving many questions unanswered about how such an incident could occur in one of the country’s most secure locations.
Pc credit -NewsBytes
