NEW DELHI: In the Rajya Sabha, a heated controversy unfolded when five MPs accused their names of being included in a proposed select committee for the Delhi Services Bill without their consent. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Raghav Chadha had suggested the formation of the committee to examine the bill, but the move backfired when some members raised objections. The MPs alleged that their signatures were forged on the proposal presented by Chadha.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanded an investigation into the matter, citing a violation of the House's privilege. He called for the involvement of the privileges committee to ascertain the authenticity of the signatures. However, no timeframe or agency for the probe was specified.
Three MPs, including Sasmit Patra of BJD, M Thambidurai of AIADMK, and S Phangnon Konyak of BJP, stood up during the session to confirm that their consent was not sought before adding their names to the proposed select committee.
In response to the accusations, Raghav Chadha, the AAP MP, said he would provide answers to the Privileges Committee once they issue a notice, claiming that MPs' signatures were not necessary.
M Thambidurai expressed concerns over the use of a fake signature on the proposal and submitted a letter to the Rajya Sabha Chairman to bring the matter to the Privilege Committee's attention.
The Delhi Services Bill was eventually passed in Rajya Sabha with 131 votes in favor and 102 against. The Bill seeks to replace an ordinance pertaining to the transfers and postings of officials in the Delhi government. The ruling alliance, backed by the BJD and the YSRCP, secured more support than anticipated, while the opposition, despite efforts to rally support, fell short in the division of votes.
The controversy over the alleged inclusion of MPs' names without their consent overshadowed the passage of the Bill and added further tension to the already charged proceedings in the Upper House.
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