Fadnavis Orders Probe into Jarange's Rs 500 Crore Claim, Sena Says Attempt to 'Finish' Shinde

Mumbai, Oct 24 — All is not well in Maharashtra's ruling Mahayuti government. An audio clip released by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil has triggered a major row in the alliance. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a forensic probe into the clip, while ally Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) has accused a section of the BJP of conspiring to politically finish Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

What is the entire matter

On October 23, Manoj Jarange-Patil released an audio clip before the press. The clip purportedly captures a conversation between some BJP functionaries. As per the conversation, a plan was allegedly made ahead of the 2024 Assembly elections to weaken the Maratha agitation and silence Jarange.

The clip claims that the BJP had given Rs 500 crore to Eknath Shinde, which was to be delivered to Jarange through his son and Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde. Jarange has categorically stated that he did not accept any money and that he himself is exposing the entire conspiracy.

The clip is said to be from October 14, 2024, just weeks before the elections. Earlier, Jarange had alleged that Shinde took Rs 500 crore from the BJP, which Shinde had challenged him to prove. In response to that challenge, Jarange released this audio as evidence.

Fadnavis's big decision

Amid escalating tension, CM Devendra Fadnavis announced a forensic probe while speaking to reporters in Nagpur.

Fadnavis said, "The audio clip that has come into the public domain will be thoroughly investigated. Its authenticity will be verified through forensic methods. Jarange-Patil himself has demanded an investigation. Shiv Sena leaders and ministers met me and also sought a thorough probe.

He also raised a crucial question, "The question is why such an audio clip has surfaced after two and a half years? What is the motive behind it and who is being targeted? We will bring out the truth.

Jarange has said he has no objection to a forensic test and has demanded that an impartial SIT (Special Investigation Team) be constituted to probe the matter.

Shinde Sena's direct attack on BJP

The controversy has laid bare the rift within the Mahayuti alliance. Senior Shiv Sena leader and former minister Ramdas Kadam held a press conference in Mumbai and levelled serious allegations against the BJP.

Kadam said, "Are some people in the BJP jealous of Eknath Shinde's growing popularity? Are some people inside the BJP trying to finish Eknath Shinde? The BJP will have to answer who within the party is working against its own alliance partner."

He alleged that Jarange, in collusion with a section of the BJP, is conspiring to finish a Maratha leader. His remarks were clearly aimed at Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

BJP hits back

The BJP has strongly reacted to the allegations. BJP leader Pravin Darekar cautioned Ramdas Kadam and asked him not to make statements that could create a rift in the alliance.

Darekar said, "We will not tolerate such attacks. We can also level allegations. In the past too, Jarange was used to abuse Fadnavis ji."

Political tremor in Maharashtra

The row has surfaced at a time when the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra is about to complete two years. While the Maratha reservation issue continues to remain a flashpoint, two major allies in power are now openly accusing each other.

It will only become clear after the forensic report whether the audio clip is genuine or fake, but one thing is certain - Maharashtra politics is set to witness more upheaval in the coming days.