Congress Leader Digvijay Singh Accuses V-P Dhankhar of Bias Against Opposition MPs

New Delhi, Dec 14 (NationPress) Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Friday leveled accusations against the country's Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, claiming he has shown bias against opposition MPs. In an interview with IANS, Digvijay Singh, who is also a Rajya Sabha MP, discussed various topics including EVMs, the Waqf Amendment Bill, PM Modi's Puja prior to the Maha Kumbh, and more.

IANS: The opposition has initiated a no-confidence motion against the Vice President, who presides over the Rajya Sabha. What is your perspective on this?

Digvijay Singh: This is not a new occurrence; the opposition has consistently felt that the Chairman overlooks their requests. He was previously a member of our party (Rajasthan Congress MLA from 1993-98). Lately, he has repeatedly denied the opposition opportunities to voice their concerns. In this session, we sought a discussion regarding the unprecedented charge sheet presented against an Indian business family in the US, but he refused our request. When the opposition sought to discuss under Rajya Sabha Rule 267 (which allows for discussions on specific issues with the Chairman's consent), he did not approve it.

Moreover, he did not permit opposition MPs to present their statements; however, several MPs from the ruling party, including the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and the Leader of the House, made accusations against Sonia Gandhi without the necessary permissions being sought, thus breaching our rule book and the Rajya Sabha's regulations. The opposition was understandably agitated by these events and his evident bias raises concerns.

IANS: The opposition has raised concerns regarding EVMs. Do you believe they have been compromised?

Digvijay Singh: Regarding EVMs, it is our fundamental right to vote for our preferred candidates, and that vote must be accurately counted. Currently, with EVMs, no receipts are issued to voters. In 2013, the Supreme Court mandated that a printed receipt should be provided, yet the VVPAT is displayed for merely 7 seconds, with no receipt given. We have two primary concerns. First, the communication from the ballot unit to the VVPAT and then from the VVPAT to the control unit is concerning. The printer resides within the VVPAT and operates through a microprocessor with undisclosed software. We advocate for a return to paper ballots to restore confidence in the voting process. Although some claim this will prolong the process, utilizing 50-70 counting tables would expedite counting.

We have an adequate number of government employees and sufficient space to facilitate this. With this approach, counting could be completed in 6-7 rounds, typically within 8 hours. This would help reaffirm public trust in the system. Hence, our mistrust of EVMs stems from the undisclosed software and the lack of transparency in how these machines operate. Software is injected via signal loading and names are uploaded through the Internet. We propose either a return to paper ballots or, if EVMs are to be retained, issuing a slip to voters for separate ballot box submission.

IANS: Yet, you won previously using EVMs. What is your response to that?

Digvijay Singh: I do not wish to delve into who won or lost. My primary concern is safeguarding my right to vote, ensuring I can confirm my vote is accurately placed in the ballot box.

IANS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is participating in the Bhoomi Pujan of the Kumbh today. Is this appropriate?

Answer: Absolutely. We have no opposition to this. Individuals should have the freedom to engage in activities aligned with their beliefs.

IANS: Does the Waqf Amendment Bill pose a threat to Muslims in the country?

Digvijay Singh: The Waqf Bill is currently under review by the Standing Committee or Select Committee. We shall wait for their report before forming an opinion. It would be premature to comment until discussions are complete and the report is available.

IANS: How do you perceive Prime Minister Narendra Modi?

Digvijay Singh: Modi has failed to fulfill many promises, such as bringing back black money. Claims of large sums being held abroad have not materialized, and instead, funds have reportedly moved to Swiss banks. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to address this has yet to provide any findings regarding the Panama Papers. His demonetization promise to eliminate corruption and reduce inflation has not been realized; instead, inflation and unemployment have risen, and public savings have diminished. The cash flow in the market has surged significantly, while per capita savings have declined. The treatment of minorities threatens social harmony.

Constitutional institutions are being undermined, adversely affecting the nation's condition. Loans of the impoverished remain unpaid, while those of wealthy industrialists have been forgiven. Rahul Gandhi accurately characterized this as a suit-boot government, which indeed it is. The government recently disclosed that loans worth Rs 9.5 lakh crores belonging to industrialists had been waived off, underscoring its focus on benefiting large corporations.

IANS: Prior to their suicide, the Parmar couple from Sehore district claimed they were coerced to join the BJP. What is your stance on this?

Digvijay Singh: I possess a copy of the suicide note authored by Manoj Parmar, which he circulated to several individuals, bearing his signature. The note alleges that political coercion was exerted, warning that refusal to join the BJP would result in imprisonment. This is a grave allegation that demands immediate investigation. I have urged Nirmala Sitharaman to ensure a thorough inquiry and appropriate actions against the involved officials.