CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Bhopal: Manoj Jarange’s Rs 500 crore audio clip triggers turmoil in Mahayuti
Mumbai. An alleged audio clip linked to Rs 500 crore, released by Maratha reservation agitation leader Manoj Jarange Patil, has increased political tension within Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti alliance. Statements have intensified between leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The clip allegedly claims that Rs 500 crore was routed to Jarange Patil through Shrikant Shinde before the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly election.
What the audio clip claims: Jarange Patil had made the recording public during a press conference in October. In the alleged conversation, a woman’s voice is heard speaking about Rs 500 crore being given. Some people are also heard discussing the Maratha reservation movement and Jarange’s political influence during the election.
Jarange has claimed that the clip is genuine and that an attempt was made to hatch a conspiracy against him and the Maratha movement. He has demanded an impartial investigation into the matter. However, the identity of the people in the recording and the authenticity of the conversation have not been independently verified.
Eknath Shinde denies allegations: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has rejected the allegations linked to the alleged Rs 500 crore transaction. He said he had neither given nor received the amount. Leaders from his side have also demanded an inquiry into the authenticity of the audio clip.
Some Shiv Sena leaders have sought clarification from the BJP on the matter. BJP leaders, meanwhile, have also stressed the need to investigate the authenticity of the recording, the timing of its release and the intention behind it. The issue has thus become a political dispute between the two key partners in the alliance.
Chief Minister orders probe: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a forensic examination of the alleged audio clip. Following this, Mumbai Police constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to investigate the matter. The probe is expected to examine the authenticity of the recording, the identification of the voices and technical aspects.
What is the truth behind the Rs 500 crore claim? For now, the claims made in the viral audio clip cannot be treated as established facts. The reality of the recording and the alleged transaction will become clear only after the investigation is completed and the forensic report comes out. At present, the controversy has raised questions in Maharashtra politics over mutual trust between the BJP and Shiv Sena and coordination within the alliance.
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