Fri Dec 06 22:52:50 UTC 2024: ## Cash Found on Congress MP’s Bench in Rajya Sabha Sparks Investigation
**New Delhi:** A bundle of cash was discovered on the bench of a Congress MP in the Rajya Sabha on December 5th, 2024, triggering a major controversy. Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar termed the incident “serious” and ordered an immediate investigation.
The cash was found on seat number 222, belonging to Abhishek Manu Singhvi, a Member of Parliament from Telangana. Dhankhar informed the house on Friday morning, prompting immediate uproar. Security officials alerted the Chairman to the discovery.
This incident is not the first of its kind to disrupt parliamentary proceedings. The Indian Parliament has a history of controversies involving cash, allegations of bribery, and security breaches. Several past instances have marred the dignity of the house.
Notable past incidents include:
* **2008 Cash-for-Vote Scandal:** During a trust vote in the Lok Sabha, BJP MPs waved bundles of cash, alleging that Samajwadi Party and Congress leaders offered bribes to MPs in exchange for votes.
* **2023 Mahua Moitra Allegations:** BJP MP Nishikant Dubey accused TMC MP Mahua Moitra of accepting bribes from a businessman in exchange for asking questions in the Lok Sabha. An investigation ensued, leading to an FIR and ultimately the revocation of Moitra’s MP status.
* **2005 Cash-for-Queries Scandal:** A sting operation exposed eleven MPs from four different parties accepting bribes for asking questions in Parliament. These MPs were subsequently expelled.
* **2014 Paper Spray Incident:** During a debate on the formation of Telangana, Congress MP L. Rajagopal used pepper spray, leading to injuries and hospitalizations.
* **2023 Smoke Bomb Incident:** On the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack, two individuals threw smoke bombs inside the Lok Sabha, creating chaos. Six individuals were arrested in connection with this incident.
The discovery of cash on Singhvi’s bench is the latest in a series of incidents that raise concerns about the integrity and security of the Indian Parliament. The ongoing investigation is expected to shed light on the source and intended purpose of the money.
First Piper 