New Delhi: A controversy erupted in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, December 5, when a wad of currency notes was discovered during routine security checks from seat number 222, allocated to Member of Parliament (MP) and Congress leader Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi. The incident has prompted reactions from parliamentary leaders and calls for a thorough investigation.
Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar addressed the matter on Friday, stating, “During the routine anti-sabotage check of the chamber after the adjournment of the House yesterday, a wad of currency notes was recovered by security officials from seat number 222, which is presently allotted to Abhishek Manu Singhvi, elected from Telangana.” He assured members that an investigation was underway to ascertain the facts.
Dr Singhvi Responds To Allegations
Dr Singhvi, reacting to the allegations, denied any involvement and expressed surprise at the incident. “I heard of it for the first time now. I carry only one ₹500 note when I go to the Rajya Sabha. I reached the House at 12:57 PM yesterday, it rose at 1 PM, and I then sat in the canteen with Sh. Ayodhya Prasad until 1:30 PM before leaving Parliament. Please quote me fully,” he said, distancing himself from the discovery.
Debate In Parliament Over Issue
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju supported the Chairman’s decision to name the seat and its occupant, questioning objections raised by some members. Rijiju emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “Why should there be an objection to the Chair pointing out the seat number and its occupant? Carrying bundles of currency notes in the House is highly inappropriate, especially as we move towards a digital India. I fully agree with the Chairman’s observation that this incident warrants a serious investigation.”
Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, urged caution, suggesting that no member should be named until the investigation is completed and the facts are verified. “I request that until the investigation is done and the authenticity of the incident is established, a member should not be named,” Kharge stated.
