‘What kind of joke is this?’ Sanjay Singh slams govt over global 'Friendship Group' pick after passport seizure
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 25, 2026
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Aaam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh has criticized the government’s decision to appoint him as the head of a Parliamentary Friendship Group for Suriname, calling it “absurd” given that his passport was seized earlier this year under bail conditions. Singh’s criticism comes after the Lok Sabha Speaker OM Birla announced the formation of several such groups to strengthen India’s inter-parliamentary engagement with over 60 countries. Alongside Singh, other prominent leaders from various political parties were also named, including Shashi Tharoor (Congress), Akhilesh Yadav (SP), and Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM).
The decision to include Singh in this role has sparked controversy, particularly since his passport was seized in 2024 as part of bail conditions related to a money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy scam. Singh, who was arrested in 2023, is currently on trial and faces restrictions on travel outside the National Capital Region (NCR). The move by the government has raised questions about its timing and intent, with critics arguing that it undermines the credibility of the initiative.
The Parliamentary Friendship Groups program aims to enhance India’s diplomatic ties globally. However, the inclusion of Singh in a high-profile role despite his legal issues has drawn criticism. This controversy highlights the intersection of politics and justice in India, where decisions are often seen as politically motivated. For readers interested in global affairs, this story underscores how internal political dynamics can impact international relations and perceptions of governance.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/25/2026