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Informist, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024

NEW DELHI – A wad of currency notes was recovered from Congress Member of Parliament Abhishek Manu Singhvi's seat in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday during an anti-sabotage check, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar informed the House on Friday. An investigation has been ordered into the matter, he added. 

"A wad of currency notes was recovered by the security officials from seat number 222 allotted to Abhishek Manu Singhvi. It was found during a routine anti-sabotage check. Around 100 notes of INR 500 denomination were found. This is subject to a serious investigation," Dhankhar said. "The matter was brought to my notice, and I felt it expedient, as per practice and ordination, to ensure that the investigation takes place in accordance with law, and the same is underway," he added.

In his defence, Singhvi posted on X, saying, "Heard of it for the first time now. Never heard of it till now! I carry one INR 500 note when I go to RS (Rajya Sabha). First time heard of it. I reached inside the house at 1257 IST yday (Thursday) and the house rose at 1300 IST; then I sat in the canteen till 1330 IST with Sh Ayodhya Rami Reddy, then I left parliament." 

Congress President and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge raised objections over the disclosure of Singhvi's name by Dhankhar, saying the matter is under investigation. "You (Dhankhar) said that the matter is under investigation. Until the probe is completed, you should not take a name," Kharge asserted. 

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju slammed Kharge's remarks. "As per the routine protocol, the anti-sabotage team checked the seats just to wind up the proceedings and the House. During that procedure, the note was found, and the seat numbers were deciphered, and the members also signed that day. I don't understand why there should be an objection that the Chair should not take the name of the member. The chairman has rightly pointed out the seat number and the member who occupies that particular seat number," he said, adding, "What is wrong with that? Why should there be an objection?... I fully agree with the observation of the chairman that there must be a serious investigation and the concerns raised by the members are also very genuine."

Reacting to the news, Union Minister and Leader of the House J.P. Nadda said it is serious and hurts the dignity of the House.  End

Reported by Kuldeep Singh

Edited by Namrata Rao

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