Fri Dec 06 21:28:26 UTC 2024: ## Congress Defends Singhvi After Cash Found in Rajya Sabha Seat
**New Delhi** – A controversy erupted in the Rajya Sabha Friday after security personnel discovered approximately Rs 50,000 in cash in the seat assigned to Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh dismissed the incident as a government conspiracy, claiming that carrying such a sum is not unusual for MPs.
Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar announced the discovery of the cash during routine security checks, prompting an immediate investigation. While Dhankhar did not explicitly name Singhvi, his reference to seat number 222, currently allocated to the MP, led to accusations against him.
Ramesh, defending Singhvi, stated that he had spoken to several MPs, including BJP members, who also carried similar amounts of cash. He demanded an impartial investigation, suggesting the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). He further criticized the naming of Singhvi before the investigation was completed.
Singhvi himself vehemently denied any knowledge of the cash, stating he typically carries only Rs 500 to Parliament. He welcomed the investigation and proposed structural changes to prevent future similar incidents, suggesting individual seat lockers with keys held by the MPs.
Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge echoed Ramesh’s concerns, criticizing Dhankhar for publicly linking Singhvi to the incident before the investigation concluded. The incident has sparked a political firestorm, with the Congress alleging a government conspiracy and demanding a transparent probe. The investigation is currently underway.
First Piper 