The Rajya Sabha (RS) was adjourned for the day with BJP members creating an uproar over the alleged recovery of a wad of currency notes by security staff from the seat allotted to Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi.
When the house resumed in the afternoon to take up private members' business, BJP MPs started raising slogans demanding answers from the Congress over the currency issue. Deputy Chairman Harivansh in Chair tried to pacify agitated members of treasury benches, saying this is members' business day and they should sit down and allow the House to function. In the meantime, Deputy Chairman asked IUML MP Abdul Wahab to move his resolution listed under his name on the agenda. While Wahab was reading out his resolution, the ruling party members were up on their feet, raising slogans. When they refused to relent, the deputy chairman adjourned the House for the day to meet again on Monday.
Earlier in the day, Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar told the MPs that the cash bundle - of Rs 500 notes amounting to a total of Rs 50,000 - was found from seat no 222, which is allotted to Singhvi. Mr Singhvi has clarified that he had never heard of such a thing, suggesting that bundle wasn't his. The recovery of currency notes in the RS chamber has prompted a thorough investigation by parliamentary security officials. Chairman Dhankhar assured the House that appropriate action would follow based on the findings.