Congress Leader Digvijay Singh Accuses V-P Dhankhar of Bias Against Opposition MPs (IANS Interview)

New Delhi, Dec 14 (NationPress) Veteran Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Friday accused the country's Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar of bias against opposition MPs. In an interview with IANS, Singh, who is also a Rajya Sabha MP, addressed a variety of topics including EVMs, Waqf Amendment Bill, PM Modi's Puja prior to Maha Kumbh, and several other issues.

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

Digvijay Singh: This isn't the first occurrence; the opposition consistently feels that the chairman disregards our appeals. Previously, he was part of our party (Rajasthan Congress MLA from 1993-98). For a while now, he has systematically denied the opposition opportunities to speak. In this session, we sought a discussion on critical issues, particularly the unprecedented charge sheet presented against an Indian business family in the US, but he dismissed it. He refused to allow discussions, even when we invoked Rajya Sabha Rule 267, which permits discussions on specific issues with the chairman's consent, but he did not accept our request.

He also barred opposition MPs from making statements, although many MPs from the ruling party provided statements without formal proposals. Over the next three days, senior ruling party members, including the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and the Leader of the House, made allegations against us, particularly targeting Sonia Gandhi, without following the necessary written permissions required by our rules. This represents a blatant breach of our rule book and the regulations of the Rajya Sabha. The opposition was outraged by these actions, and the evident bias displayed was alarming.

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

Digvijay Singh: Regarding EVMs, it is our fundamental right to vote for our chosen candidates, and those votes must be accurately counted. Currently, no receipt is issued post-EVM voting, contrary to a Supreme Court order from 2013 mandating printed receipts for voters. Presently, the VVPAT is visible for only 7 seconds, but we do not receive a tangible receipt. Our two main grievances are: first, the message from the ballot unit is transmitted to the VVPAT, and then the VVPAT's message goes to the control unit, with the printer located in the VVPAT, processed via a microprocessor. The software embedded within is not disclosed. We advocate for a return to paper ballots, which would enhance public trust in the voting process. While some argue this would prolong the process, we assert that by increasing counting tables to 50-70, we can expedite the counting, completing it within about 8 hours. The government has ample resources to accommodate this change.

Currently, we face no shortage of government staff, nor are facilities lacking. The public needs assurance that their votes are counted where they are cast. This is why skepticism towards EVMs persists; the undisclosed software and operational methods raise concerns. We propose either a return to paper ballots or, if EVMs remain, the issuance of a slip for voters to deposit in a separate ballot box.

IANS: However, you did win with these EVMs last time. What’s your take on that?

Digvijay Singh: I prefer not to delve into who won or lost. The primary issue for me is exercising my right to vote in alignment with my fundamental rights. I should be able to see my vote being placed in the ballot box appropriately.

IANS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending the Bhoomi Pujan of Kumbh on Friday. Should he be there?

Digvijay Singh: He should absolutely attend; we have no objections. It is every individual's right to participate in events according to their beliefs.

IANS: Is the Waqf Amendment Bill detrimental to Muslims in the country?

Digvijay Singh: The Waqf Bill is currently with the Standing Committee or the Select Committee. We should await their report before commenting further. It would be premature to express opinions until discussions conclude and the report is available. We will address the Bill when it comes up for debate.

IANS: How do you perceive Prime Minister Narendra Modi?

Digvijay Singh: Modi has failed to deliver on numerous promises. He assured the return of black money, yet we see no evidence of it. His claims of substantial black money being held abroad have not materialized; instead, it appears to have found refuge in Swiss banks. Although a SIT was established to recover this money, no reports have emerged from the revelations in the Panama Papers. During the demonetization phase, he promised that corruption would come to an end and inflation would decrease, yet inflation persists, unemployment is on the rise, and public savings are dwindling. His promises have proven to be ineffective. The cash flow in the market has increased five-fold, while per capita savings have decreased. The treatment of minorities is damaging the country's harmony.

Moreover, constitutional institutions are being undermined, which adversely affects the nation's stability. The small loans of the impoverished remain unaddressed, while the debts of wealthy industrialists have been forgiven. Rahul Gandhi's assertion that this government serves the affluent class, a 'suit-boot government,' holds true. In this session, it was revealed that the loans of industrialists totaling Rs 9.5 lakh crores have been annulled. This administration prioritizes the interests of large capitalists.

IANS: The Parmar couple from Sehore district alleged that they were coerced into joining the BJP before their tragic suicides. What is your perspective?

Digvijay Singh: I possess a copy of the suicide note left by Manoj Parmar, which he disseminated, complete with his signature. In the note, he claimed that political pressure was exerted upon him, stating that refusal to join the BJP would result in imprisonment. This is a grave accusation, and I urge an immediate investigation. I previously requested Nirmala Sitharaman to ensure this issue is thoroughly examined and appropriate actions are taken against the responsible officials.