During a discussion on the motion of thanks for the President's address, a heated exchange erupted between the ruling party and the opposition in Rajya Sabha. NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) member Praful Patel lost his temper at AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) parliamentarian Sanjay Singh. Patel insisted, "Sanjay brother, you're sitting here after defaming us (Congress) and our party." Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar intervened from the chair, asserting that such remarks would not be recorded. Even after the chairman's intervention, Patel continued to speak.
Responding to the chairman's caution, Patel stated that he had to reply since his party and a specific leader had been mentioned. Referring to an anti-corruption movement during the UPA government's tenure, he accused, "If you think there was a 70,000-crore irrigation scam, why are you sitting with them? They had a Congress chief minister back then." Patel subtly mentioned veteran social activist Anna Hazare without naming him, saying, "You summoned an elderly gentleman to tarnish our leaders during that time. We were also part of the UPA government."
Sanjay Singh posed a question, to which Patel responded inquisitively, "Why did you initiate the India Against Corruption movement? Have you given them a clean chit already?" In actuality, during Singh's speech, he implicated Chhagan Bhujbal in corruption while criticizing the government for not acting against it. Singh claimed, "The Prime Minister said we would not spare any corrupt individuals – that's Modi's guarantee. But when we look around, it seems all the corrupt have joined hands with BJP – this is the Prime Minister's guarantee. The accused in the 70,000-crore irrigation scandal, Chhagan Bhujbal, has aligned with BJP."
The chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar objected to Singh's statements and directed for their removal from the proceedings. Dhankhar acknowledged Singh's compliance with this direction. The turn then came to Praful Patel to address the assembly. Patel commenced his speech by listing government achievements and aimed criticisms at Sanjay Singh.
Sanjay Singh Raises NEET Issue
Sanjay Singh highlighted the NEET paper leak issue in Rajya Sabha, citing that in the last seven years, 70 examination papers have leaked. He also brought up the inauguration event of Ram Temple and questioned the absence of the current President. Singh touched on a controversial cleaning practice alleged after a change of residence by Akhilesh Yadav, commenting on the attitude towards Dalits and backward classes. He stressed that India belongs to people from all walks, including Jains, Sikhs, Muslims. Singh cautioned BJP to retain its name as the Indian People's Party and not turn into an Indian Quarrel Party.
Hinduism, a Vast Religion - Sanjay Singh
Sanjay Singh praised Hinduism's vastness, stating it preaches goodwill among all living beings, in contrast with divisiveness propagated by some. He recited a verse about being distracted by religious structures, implying the diversion from real issues like inflation and unemployment. Singh criticized BJP using a song about Lord Ram for election purposes.
