Currency Bills Discovered on Congress MP's Seat in Rajya Sabha, Dhankhar Initiates Investigation
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New Delhi, Dec 6 (NationPress) Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar stated on Friday that currency notes were discovered from the seat occupied by Congress member Abhishek Manu Singhvi, prompting an ongoing investigation.
"I hereby inform the members that during a routine anti-sabotage check of the chamber after the House adjourned yesterday, a bundle of currency notes was found by security personnel from seat number 222, presently assigned to Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who is elected from Telangana."
He mentioned that the issue was brought to his attention, leading him to promptly order a probe. "I ensured that an investigation takes place, and it is currently in progress," Dhankhar said.
The currency notes were found during the checks conducted at MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi's seat in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
This revelation sparked uproar in the Upper House, with BJP members accusing Congress leaders. Union Minister J.P. Nadda remarked, "This incident is of a serious nature. It undermines the dignity of the House... I trust your ruling that a thorough investigation will be conducted...."
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated, "...According to routine protocol, the anti-sabotage team checked the seats to conclude the proceedings of the House. During that process, the notes were found, and the seat numbers were verified along with members' signatures from that day. I fail to see why there should be an objection to mentioning the member's name."
As the opposition created a ruckus over the mention of the MP's name, Rijiju asserted that the Chairman appropriately specified the seat number and the member occupying it.
"What is inappropriate about that? Why should there be any objection?... Don’t you think that as we advance towards Digital India, carrying a bundle of notes in the House is suitable? We do not bring bundles of notes into the House. I fully concur with the Chairman’s observation that a serious investigation is necessary, and the concerns raised by the members are also very valid."
However, the Opposition claimed this was a conspiracy orchestrated by the BJP.
In response, Singhvi expressed on the social media platform X, "I have never heard of this until now. I carry just one Rs 500 note when I come to the Rajya Sabha. This is the first I am hearing of it. I arrived at the House at 12:57 PM, and it adjourned at 1 PM, after which I stayed in the canteen until 1:30 PM and then left the parliament."
