The Congress Party has alleged that the discovery of a wad of currency notes on the Rajya Sabha bench of Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi is a deliberate ploy to divert attention from critical issues, including the Adani controversy.
Congress Responds to the Incident
Congress sources dismissed the incident as trivial, asserting, “If someone is carrying ₹50,000 in cash, it is not a crime.” The party has urged for a comprehensive investigation, either through a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) or an independent agency, to ascertain the truth behind the discovery.
Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar informed the House earlier in the day that a bundle of cash was found on seat number 222, allotted to Singhvi, during a routine anti-sabotage check. “The matter has been brought to my attention, and an investigation is underway,” Dhankhar stated.
Singhvi Denies Involvement
Abhishek Manu Singhvi expressed shock and disbelief over the incident, highlighting that he had limited interaction with his allotted seat on the day in question.
“I find it astonishing and bizarre. My total time in the House was just three minutes, after which I was in the canteen and left Parliament. How can such an incident even happen? It’s clear that if anyone can plant anything anywhere, it becomes a tool for baseless allegations. Security lapses, if any, must be fully exposed,” Singhvi said.
He also proposed securing MPs’ seats to prevent such controversies in the future.
Kharge Criticizes Chairman’s Remarks
Leader of Opposition and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Chairman Dhankhar for naming Singhvi before the investigation’s completion.
“You stated that the matter is under investigation; then why was the member named? This is unprecedented. Until authenticity is established, members should not be dragged into baseless allegations,” Kharge argued.
He accused the BJP of indulging in petty tactics (“aaisa chillar kaam”) to distract from more pressing national issues.
BJP’s Stance
The BJP has taken a combative approach, demanding answers from Congress and emphasizing accountability. BJP MPs, including Sudhanshu Trivedi and Manoj Tiwari, have called for a thorough investigation into the source and circumstances surrounding the cash.
Broader Context
The controversy erupted amidst the Winter Session of Parliament, which began on November 25 but has seen frequent disruptions over issues like the Adani Group allegations, Manipur violence, and other opposition demands.
Congress has framed this incident as a diversionary tactic by the ruling party to avoid scrutiny over issues like the Adani controversy and governance challenges.
As the investigation continues, both parties are bracing for intensified political confrontations in the coming days.