A controversy erupted in the Rajya Sabha on Friday after Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar informed the House that a wad of currency notes was found during a routine anti-sabotage check from seat number 222, which is allotted to Congress MP and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi. Dhankhar assured members that the matter has been handed over for investigation.
“I hereby inform the members that during the routine anti-sabotage check of the chamber after the adjournment of the House yesterday, a wad of currency notes was recovered by security officials from seat number 222, which is presently allotted to Abhishek Manu Singhvi, elected from Telangana. The matter was brought to my notice, and I ensured that an investigation is underway,” Dhankhar stated.
Reacting to the incident, Singhvi denied any connection to the discovery, terming the situation “bizarre.” He reiterated his commitment to cooperating with the investigation. “This is news to me. I am equally shocked and have no clue how this could happen. I am confident the investigation will reveal the truth,” he said.
The incident has sparked debates in political circles, with members calling for a thorough and impartial probe. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized the need for accountability, stating that the discovery of cash in the Rajya Sabha chamber is a matter of grave concern.
The controversy is likely to add to the tension in Parliament as the winter session continues, with opposition parties and ruling coalition members expected to raise questions regarding the incident’s implications.
