cash-found-under-abhishek-manu-singhvi-s-seat-in-rajya-sabha

A controversy erupted in the Rajya Sabha on Friday after Rs 50,000 in cash was reportedly found under the seat of Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi.

 

The claim, made by Rajya Sabha chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar, sparked a heated exchange between opposition and government members in Parliament.

 

Chairperson Dhankhar informed the House that the cash was discovered during a routine security check on Thursday, beneath seat number 222, currently allotted to Singhvi. He stated that an investigation would be conducted in accordance with the law.

 

The announcement led to a vociferous reaction from Congress MPs, with Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge demanding that names not be mentioned before the completion of the probe. Kharge stressed that until the matter is authenticated, the chairperson’s remarks risked tarnishing reputations.

 

Abhishek Manu Singhvi vehemently denied the allegations. The senior advocate and Congress leader clarified that he had no knowledge of the cash being found and welcomed an investigation into the incident.

 

Singhvi added that he carries only a Rs 500 note when attending Parliament and suggested that MPs should be given lockable seats to prevent such incidents.

 

He recounted his movements, stating that he arrived at the Rajya Sabha shortly before adjournment and later spent time in the canteen with a colleague.

 

The BJP, however, took a firm stance on the matter. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the naming of Singhvi, arguing that there was no issue in identifying the seat or MP involved, as the situation demanded transparency.

 

He emphasised that carrying bundles of cash in Parliament was inappropriate and required a proper investigation. BJP President and Union Minister JP Nadda echoed the sentiment, describing the incident as a serious attack on the dignity of the House.

 

The opposition criticised the ruling party’s reaction, accusing the BJP of using the incident to divert attention from pressing public issues.

 

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi condemned the government for allegedly disrupting Parliament proceedings and failing to address citizens’ concerns. She questioned why BJP MPs appeared unwilling to allow the House to function effectively.