A shocking discovery of cash at a Congress MP’s seat in Rajya Sabha has escalated into a significant political controversy, drawing nationwide attention. bundle of cash, allegedly containing 100 notes of ₹500 denomination, was found in seat no. 222, occupied by Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi. incident, uncovered during an anti-sabotage routine check after House adjourned on Thursday, has prompted swift action by Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, who ordered a thorough investigation.
Details of Incident
bundle of cash was discovered on Thursday in seat no. 222, sparking immediate action from parliamentary authorities. Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar announced recovery and initiated an inquiry in accordance with House rules. He emphasized that it was his duty to inform House about incident.
Key Details of Discovery
| Detail | Information |
| Date of Discovery | Thursday, December 5, 2024 |
| Location | Seat no. 222, Rajya Sabha |
| Type of Cash Found | ₹500 denomination notes |
| Estimated Total | ₹50,000 |
| Discovered During | Routine anti-sabotage check |
| Rajya Sabha Chairman | Jagdeep Dhankhar |
Chairman Dhankhar stated that it remained unclear whether cash was genuine or counterfeit. Regardless, discovery raised questions about parliamentary conduct and security.
Abhishek Manu Singhvi’s Response
Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Telangana, expressed shock and denied any involvement with discovered cash. Speaking to media, Singhvi called recovery “astonishing” and outlined his movements on day of incident.
- Singhvi’s Statement: “I heard of it for first time today. I carry only a single ₹500 note in my wallet and left Parliament at 1:30 PM.”
- Timeline of Singhvi’s Movements:
- 1:00 PM: Rajya Sabha adjourned for day.
- 1:00–1:30 PM: Singhvi spent time in canteen with MP Ayodhya Rami Reddy.
- 1:30 PM: Singhvi left Parliament.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Singhvi detailed these movements and dismissed any connection to cash, stating, “I find it bizarre that even on such issues politics is raised.”
Political Reactions
Opposition’s View
Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Chairman for naming Singhvi before investigation was complete. He argued that prematurely implicating a member was inappropriate and demanded a fair inquiry.
- Kharge’s Statement: “Chairman should not have named MP until investigation concluded. This move is both premature and unfair.”
Government’s Stand
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended Chairman’s actions, asserting that transparency required identifying seat and its occupant. Rijiju condemned presence of cash in Parliament and called for a comprehensive investigation.
- Rijiju’s Statement: “Why should there be an objection to naming seat’s occupant? A thorough investigation is necessary to maintain integrity of House.”
Implications of Incident
discovery has raised several critical concerns about conduct and integrity of members of Parliament:
- Security and Conduct: How did cash make its way into Rajya Sabha chamber?
- Parliamentary Integrity: Does this incident point to deeper systemic issues within Parliament?
- Political Accountability: Should MPs face stricter scrutiny for their actions and items they bring into House?
Concerns Raised
| Issue | Explanation |
| Security Breach | Lapses in security allowed cash to enter Parliament. |
| Ethics in Parliament | Questions raised about ethical conduct of MPs. |
| Public Perception | Incident may erode public trust in parliamentary processes. |
Investigation and Next Steps
Rajya Sabha Chairman has ordered an investigation to determine:
- Origin of Cash: Where did money come from?
- Involvement: Was Singhvi or any other member aware of cash?
- Potential Foul Play: Could cash have been planted to tarnish reputations?
Authorities are expected to review:
- CCTV footage from Rajya Sabha premises.
- Access logs to seat before and after adjournment.
- Statements from staff involved in anti-sabotage check.
Similar Incidents in Parliament
This is not first time Parliament has witnessed controversies involving unethical practices or breaches of protocol. Recent incidents include:
| Date | Incident | Outcome |
| March 2023 | Attempted bribery during session | Member suspended pending investigation. |
| July 2022 | Unauthorized entry of outsiders | Enhanced security protocols implemented. |
| January 2021 | Disruption over cash-for-votes scandal | Inquiry committee formed. |
These incidents underline need for stronger oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability and uphold parliamentary integrity.
Public Reactions
public and media have responded with a mix of shock and skepticism. Social media platforms are abuzz with debates about implications of incident.
Common Public Reactions:
- “Is this how our representatives conduct themselves in Parliament?”
- “This incident raises serious questions about security in House.”
- “investigation must reveal whether this was a mistake or foul play.”
Conclusion
discovery of cash at Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi’s seat in Rajya Sabha has opened a Pandora’s box of questions about parliamentary ethics, security, and political accountability. As investigation unfolds, incident is likely to remain a focal point of debate in political and public discourse.
While it is premature to draw conclusions, episode serves as a stark reminder of need for greater transparency and vigilance within India’s democratic institutions. For now, all eyes are on investigative team tasked with unraveling mystery of cash in House.
Disclaimer
details in this article are based on publicly available information and statements as of December 6, 2024. investigation into incident is ongoing, and final conclusions may alter narrative presented here. Readers are advised to follow official updates for latest information.
