Monday, 23 December 2024
Monday, 23 December 2024
A wad of currency notes found on the seat allotted to Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi in the Rajya Sabha has ignited a political storm, sparking allegations, counter-allegations, and demands for investigation.
On Friday, Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar announced that the currency was discovered on Thursday after the House session, from seat no. 222, which is assigned to Singhvi. The revelation triggered sharp reactions from across the political spectrum, with the Opposition accusing the government of creating a diversion, and the BJP demanding answers.
Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, criticised the chairman for naming Singhvi before an investigation was conducted. "The chairman should not have named the member without the investigation being completed," Kharge asserted, reflecting the Opposition's stance.
Union minister for Parliamentary affairs Kiren Rijiju defended the chairman's decision. "Why should there be objection to the name being taken? chairman has pointed out seat number and member who occupies that, what is the problem with that?" Rijiju said. He further emphasised the need for a serious investigation, stating, "Carrying bundles of notes in the House is not appropriate."
Singhvi denies allegations
Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi dismissed the incident as 'bizarre' and called for a thorough probe. He claimed to have spent only a few minutes in the House on the day in question and questioned how the money ended up on his seat.
"I carry one Rs 500 currency note when I go to Rajya Sabha. First time heard of it. I reached inside house at 12:57 pm and house rose at 1 pm then I sat in canteen till 1:30 pm then I left Parliament," Singhvi posted on X.
Speaking to reporters, he added, "I find it bizarre that even on such issues politics is raised. Of course there should be an enquiry as to how people can come and put anything anywhere on any seat."
Opposition alleges conspiracy
The discovery led to uproar in Parliament, with BJP members demanding answers while the Opposition claimed the incident was a ploy to deflect from pressing issues like the Adani controversy.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh said, "My colleague Manu Singhvi's name was taken, it was absolutely wrong to take his name. The House was searched after 6 pm, from where did it come, get it investigated, the matter will be clear...form a JPC, form a committee, we are not running away from the investigation. This is a conspiracy of the government."
RJD MP Manoj Jha also criticised the BJP's approach, stating, "The way BJP is protesting against this, if they would have protested against the Adani issue, many of the wrong deeds would have come out."
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi echoed similar sentiments: "It has become the agenda of the govt to disturb the parliament... They are making such allegations to deviate from the Adani issue."
Independent MP Pappu Yadav offered a different perspective, commenting, "Didn't BJP make Ganesh ji drink milk? So, these people can do anything, divert any issue."
JMM MP Mahua Majhi suggested ulterior motives behind the incident: "The government is making such allegations as an excuse to adjourn the House because they do not want to work."
BJP hits back
BJP leaders did not hold back in criticising the Congress, suggesting a pattern of malpractice.
BJP MP Anurag Thakur remarked, "If the Rajya Sabha chairman has made a statement then it means the matter is serious. The truth should come out. Why is the opposition running away from raising the issues of the public?"
BJP MP Deepak Prakash stated, "There is a connection between 'Congress, Kaali Kamai aur Kala dhan'...The Congress leaders have done the work of making this pious temple of democracy impure. What can be more unfortunate?"
Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi added, "Congress leaders have so much money that they don't even bother to take account of the money which is left (on the bench in Parliament)."
Echoing the need for accountability, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari said, "The Vice President of India has ordered an inquiry into the matter. I am surprised as to where the bundle of notes are being recovered from Congress leaders...this incident should be investigated."
As the political tussle over the incident continues, both sides are demanding answers.
