RS Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar Orders Probe After Currency Found on Abhishek Manu Singhvi’s Seat
 

A political storm erupted in the Rajya Sabha on Friday with Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar announcing that currency notes were found on the seat allotted to senior Congress leader, Abhishek Manu Singhvi. Dhankhar told the house that during a routine anti-sabotage check, security officials found a bundle of cash under seat number 222, which is currently assigned to Singhvi. He assured the members that an investigation was underway.

This caused an instant reaction from Singhvi who condemned the allegations in the strongest words possible. He said, "I find it bizarre that politics is being raised over such an issue." Singhvi claimed he had hardly spent any time in the Rajya Sabha the previous day, stating he was there for only about three minutes in the chamber before leaving for the canteen. He indicated that the key problem involved lack of security, pointing out that there had to be controls that barred unauthorized persons from touching the seats of members.

Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of Congress also commented over this. He criticized Dhankhar as he mentioned Singhvi during the probe while it is improper to point at a member when an issue hasn't even been confirmed to have taken place. However, JP Nadda, Union Minister raised his concerns regarding this issue calling it to be a very serious issue which was defaming the dignity of the House.

The controversy has sparked heated debates in the Rajya Sabha, with Congress and BJP leaders putting forth different views. Kharge reemphasized that the Congress party was not against the investigation but wanted due process to be followed without any politically motivated debates on the matter.

It reflects the increasing tensions in Indian politics and scurry calls for more openness regarding parliamentary processes as well as security for MPs.