A dramatic turn of events unfolded in the Indian Parliament on Friday, leaving the political landscape buzzing with speculation and controversy. Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar announced a high-level probe into the discovery of a significant amount of cash – reportedly ₹50,000 – found beneath the seat occupied by Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi. The revelation immediately sparked outrage and protests from Congress MPs, including veteran leader Mallikarjun Kharge, who voiced concerns about the public naming of Singhvi before the completion of a thorough investigation.
The high-level committee tasked with unraveling the mystery will comprise officials from key security agencies, the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, and senior Parliamentarians. This multi-faceted approach underscores the seriousness with which the Chairman is treating the matter. The probe will likely delve into security protocols within the Rajya Sabha and aim to establish the source of the cash and how it ended up under Singhvi’s seat.
However, Singhvi has categorically denied any involvement, asserting that the allegations are completely baseless. In a detailed statement, he provided a meticulously timed account of his movements on Friday, aiming to dispel any suspicion. He highlighted his arrival at the Parliament at 12:57 pm, his subsequent lunch break in the canteen with Ayodhya MP Awadhesh Prasad until 1:30 pm, and his eventual departure from the Rajya Sabha. Singhvi even claimed that he only carries a ₹500 note on his person.
This denial was not simply a refutation; it was a strategic counter-narrative designed to challenge the credibility of the initial claim. He even went so far as to suggest a rather drastic solution to prevent future similar incidents, quipping, “It means that each of us must have a seat where the seat itself can be locked, and the key can be carried home by the MP, because everybody can then do things on the seat and make allegations like this.” This sarcastic remark highlighted the absurdity of the situation from his perspective and implied a lack of robust security measures within the Parliament.
The incident has raised critical questions about security procedures in the Rajya Sabha. The discovery of a significant sum of money in such a high-profile and secure location throws into question the effectiveness of existing security protocols. The ensuing investigation promises to be far-reaching and potentially revealing, with implications extending beyond the immediate controversy. The outcome of the probe will not only determine the truth behind this particular incident but will also influence future security arrangements within the esteemed halls of the Indian Parliament. The nation waits with bated breath for the results of the ongoing investigation.
