Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: A ₹50,000 cash bundle was discovered under the Rajya Sabha seat allocated to Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi during a routine check by Parliament security officials, sparking heated exchanges between the government and opposition. Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar revealed the matter on Friday, prompting an investigation and protests from Congress leaders.
Abhishek Manu Singhvi denied involvement, stating, “I carry only ₹500 when I come to the Rajya Sabha. This is the first I am hearing of such an incident. I welcome the investigation but urge for precautions like lockable seat compartments to avoid baseless allegations.”
Chairperson Dhankhar said, “The wad of notes was found under seat no. 222, allocated to Singhvi, during a routine security check after adjournment yesterday. The matter will be investigated as per the law.”
The disclosure triggered a clash in the Rajya Sabha, with Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge objecting to Singhvi’s name being mentioned before a full inquiry. “Until verified, such naming is inappropriate,” he said.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the revelation, saying, “There is no harm in naming the seat and MP. Carrying cash in Parliament is unacceptable, and a thorough investigation is needed.”
BJP Chief JP Nadda called the incident a “serious attack on the dignity of the House,” while opposition leaders accused the BJP of politicizing the matter. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi criticized the BJP’s actions, saying, “Are people’s issues so irrelevant that this has become the focus?”
The investigation is ongoing, with both sides trading accusations over the controversy.
