A routine security check in the Rajya Sabha turned controversial on Friday after Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar announced that a bundle of currency notes was found on the seat allocated to Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi. The claim triggered heated exchanges between the ruling party and the opposition, with Congress MPs protesting the naming of Singhvi before an investigation was concluded.
Dhankhar, addressing the House, stated, “During a routine check yesterday after adjournment of the House, a wad of currency notes was recovered by security officials from seat number 222, presently allotted to Abhishek Manu Singhvi.”
Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of the Opposition, objected to the public naming of Singhvi, arguing that it was premature and against parliamentary decorum. “Until the matter is authenticated, the name should not be mentioned,” Kharge said, urging restraint.
Abhishek Manu Singhvi Denies Allegations
Singhvi, a senior advocate and Congress MP, categorically denied the allegations. “I just carry a Rs 500 note when I go to the Rajya Sabha. I heard about this for the first time. I reached the House at 12:57 pm and the House rose at 1 pm. Afterward, I was in the canteen with Ayodhya MP Awadhesh Prasad,” he stated.
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Singhvi also welcomed a thorough probe and proposed measures to avoid such incidents in the future. “Perhaps MPs should have lockable seats to prevent misuse and baseless allegations like this,” he suggested.
Government Demands Investigation
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed the opposition’s objections, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue. “What is wrong with pointing out the seat and MP involved? Carrying cash into Parliament is inappropriate and warrants investigation,” he said.
BJP president and Union Health Minister JP Nadda called the incident an “attack on the dignity of the House,” demanding a full inquiry.
Opposition Alleges Foul Play
Opposition members accused the ruling BJP of using the incident as a distraction. Priyanka Chaturvedi of the Shiv Sena (UBT) criticized the government, stating, “Disgusting to see how the BJP disrupts the House. What scares them to this extent? Are people’s issues so irrelevant?”
The Rajya Sabha Secretariat has confirmed an investigation into the matter. While the BJP has framed the incident as a potential breach of parliamentary ethics, the Congress maintains that the claims are unfounded and politically motivated.
As tensions rise, the incident adds to the already charged atmosphere in Parliament, with both sides preparing for a showdown over the issue in the coming days.
