Raghav Chadha suspended from Rajya Sabha over forging signature allegations
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha was suspended from the Rajya Sabha on Friday over an alleged "breach of privilege." Notably, four MPs alleged that he included their names in a house panel without their consent, in violation of rules. While moving the motion of suspension, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Piyush Goyal claimed Chadha's action was "unethical."
Why does this story matter?
A committee to review the Delhi services bill was proposed by Chadha. However, after the deputy chairman read out the names of those who would be on the proposed committee, Home Minister Amit Shah stated that members had complained that their names were included in the motion filed by Chadha. The AAP leader will remain suspended until the Privilege Committee submits its findings.
Rajya Sabha chairman announces suspension
"I suspend Chadha from the service of the Council till the Council has the benefit of the report by the Committee of Privileges," Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said. Dhankhar also announced AAP MP Sanjay Singh's suspension. "I find it expedient to refer the matter to the Committee of Privileges; suspension order dated July 24, 2023, may continue beyond the current session," he said.
You can watch Goyal's statement on Chadha here
Here's Chadha's response to allegations
On Thursday, Chadha refuted the allegations against him and claimed that an MP can propose the name for the formation of any committee without the signature or written assent of the individual whose name is proposed. He then challenged the BJP "to show me the piece of paper where they are claiming the forged signatures."
More on Chadha's clarification over matter
"Suppose I organize a birthday party and invite 10 people. Eight of them come, and two do not accept my invite," said Chadha while refuting the allegations. "Instead, they charge me, 'how dare you invite us to your birthday?' This is what happened. I just invited them (MPs) to be part of the committee," added the Delhi minister.
Know about Chadha's 'Select Committee' pitch
The AAP MP had recommended the constitution of a Select Committee to consider the BJP-led Centre's "Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023" and had added the names of the four MPs. It should be noted that this bill, which cleared both Houses, gives the central government full control over the transfers and postings of bureaucrats in the national capital.
