Raghav Chadha Accused Of Forging Signatures Of Rajya Sabha MPs; Probe Ordered, FIR Lurks

AAP MP Raghav Chadha became embroiled in a major controversy when five Rajya Sabha MPs demanded to move a Privilege Motion against him.

They alleged that their signatures were forged on the proposed select committee on the Delhi Services Bill without their consent.

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh announced an investigation into the complaints.

Raghav Chadha had proposed the select committee in the Upper House to examine the bill.

In response to the allegations, Chadha stated that he would provide his answer to the privilege committee if they sent him a notice.

"Let a privilege committee send me a notice. I will give my answer to the committee," Chadha was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

According to reports, the Rajya Sabha chairman can recommend the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) in case the signatures of the Members of the Parliament, on the proposal to send the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, to the Select Committee by Chadha, turns out to be forged.

Chadha's amendment to send the bill to a select committee was rejected by a voice vote.

The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which aims to replace an ordinance regarding transfers and postings of officials in the Delhi government, was passed by the Rajya Sabha on Monday.

The proposed select committee allegedly included the names of five MPs without their consent. These MPs are S Phangnon Konyak, Narhari Amin, Sudhanshu Trivedi of the BJP, M Thambidurai of the AIADMK, and Sasmit Patra of the BJD.

During the reading of the names to be included in the proposed select committee by the Deputy Chairman, Union home minister Amit Shah revealed that five members had complained about their names being included without their signatures.

He demanded an investigation into this matter, considering it a breach of privilege. Shah suggested referring the issue to the privileges committee.

Shah stated that the investigation should determine who signed on behalf of the complainant members. He requested the Chair to record the statements of these members.

In addition to the previous complaints, YSRCP MP Vijay Sai Reddy claimed that one of their party members' names was also included without consent by Chadha.

According to Reddy, before a resolution is moved, it is necessary to consult the members whose names are included in it.

However, Raghav Chadha included the name of one of YSRCP party members in the proposed select committee on the Delhi Services Bill without holding prior consultation, Reddy alleged.

"So, some of the members, including our MP, have decided to move for a privilege motion against Raghav Chadha," Reddy said.