New Delhi, 08.08.2023 – A contentious debate unfolded in the Rajya Sabha as Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused Aam Aadmi Party’s Raghav Chadha of fraud in connection with the Delhi Services Bill. Shah’s allegations centred around a motion moved by Chadha to send the bill to a Select Committee, which the Home Minister claimed contained the names of five Members of Parliament that were included fraudulently. The issue quickly escalated, sparking chaos within the legislative chamber.
During the heated session, Shah highlighted that the motion bore the signatures of MPs Narhani Amin, Sudhanshu Trivedi, Sasmit Patra, Thambidurai, and Phangon Konyak. According to the Home Minister, these MPs alleged that their names were wrongfully added to the motion, with Sasmit Patra of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) even declaring that he never provided consent for his inclusion. This revelation prompted widespread protests from opposition members, who argued that the matter was one of privilege and demanded an investigation by the Privilege Committee.
Responding to these allegations, Raghav Chadha chose to sidestep the issue, stating that he would address the situation only if the Privilege Committee issued a notice to him. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Sasmit Patra asserted his belief that the Privileges Committee would thoroughly investigate the matter and determine whether any wrongdoing had occurred.
Despite the chaos, the Delhi Services Bill found support from various parties, including the BJD, Andhra Pradesh’s YSR Congress, and TDP. These combined efforts led to the smooth passage of the bill in the House, with 131 votes in favour and 102 votes against it. The bill, which now only requires presidential approval, seeks to grant the Central Government enhanced authority in overseeing the operations of the Delhi government. This includes finalising decisions related to bureaucratic appointments and employee transfers.
As the controversy rages on, the underlying dispute over the legitimacy of the motion and the inclusion of certain MPs’ names underscores the complexities of parliamentary proceedings. The events in the Rajya Sabha have not only raised questions about the proper procedures for motions but also the broader issue of parliamentary privilege. As the matter progresses, the Privilege Committee’s investigation is anticipated to shed light on the truth behind the alleged fraud and its implications for the legislative process.
