CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Bhopal: Mumbai. A controversy has deepened in Maharashtra politics over an alleged audio clip released by Manoj Jarange Patil. The clip claims that ₹500 crore was routed by the BJP to Jarange through Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde to influence the Maratha reservation movement. After the allegation surfaced, a war of words began between leaders of the ruling Mahayuti alliance partners, the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
What does the audio clip claim? Jarange Patil referred to the alleged conversation during a rally in Beed. He later played the audio clip at a press conference. In the recording, an unidentified woman is allegedly heard saying that ₹500 crore was delivered through Shrikant Shinde. The conversation is also claimed to discuss ways to reduce Jarange’s influence in the Marathwada region ahead of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. However, the identities of the voices heard in the audio and the authenticity of the conversation have not been independently verified. Jarange has also clarified that he neither demanded any such amount nor received any money.
Shiv Sena alleges conspiracy. Shiv Sena leader and former minister Ramdas Kadam alleged that a section of the BJP was conspiring to weaken Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde politically. He raised questions while naming BJP leaders Pravin Darekar and Prasad Lad. BJP leaders hit back, saying allegations against party leaders without evidence would not be accepted. BJP leaders also alleged the role of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Sanjay Raut behind the entire controversy. Raut, on the other hand, has viewed the matter as linked to political tussles within the ruling alliance.
Fadnavis orders forensic probe. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a forensic investigation to establish the authenticity of the audio clip. He said it was necessary to examine the genuineness of the recording, the voices in it, and the reasons behind bringing it into the public domain. He also questioned why the alleged conversation was made public after two-and-a-half years. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has rejected the allegations of giving or receiving ₹500 crore. MP Shrikant Shinde also questioned the claim and dismissed it in a sarcastic manner.
Truth will emerge only after investigation. For now, political allegations and counter-allegations have intensified in the controversy, but the reality of the audio clip is a matter of investigation. Only after the findings of the forensic examination and the probe by the agencies concerned will it become clear whether the recording is genuine or has been tampered with. Until then, the claim linked to the alleged payment of ₹500 crore remains unverified.
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