AAP's Sanjay Singh, out on bail, asks Modi govt to hike budget for jails; Watch Dhankhar and Nadda's reaction

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government on Thursday, highlighting the reduction in budget allocations for jails amidst the imprisonment of several opposition leaders.

Budget Cuts and Jabs at BJP

Singh pointed out that the central government has decreased the budget for jails, a move he found ironic given the recent wave of arrests. "I was reading their budget. They have decreased the budget for jails as well. At least increase the budget for jails. You have only allocated Rs 300 crore. Now you have sent me to jail, tomorrow you will have to go to jail. Increase the jail budget and fix the jails. You will be next," Singh remarked during his speech in the Rajya Sabha.

Recent Arrests of Opposition Leaders

Singh was granted bail in April after being arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in October 2023 in connection with the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam. The investigation has also led to the detention of multiple opposition leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC K. Kavitha.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Dhankar's Response

In response to Singh's remarks, Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar referred to the statement as 'emotional' and directed Leader of the House JP Nadda to consider Singh's suggestion. "He has made a very emotional appeal to increase the jail budget. You should look into it," Dhankhar told Nadda.