Maharashtra: A fresh political row has erupted across Maharashtra after Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil released a purported audio clip during a press conference in Jalna. In the clip, a woman allegedly claimed that the BJP gave Rs 500 crore to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to pacify Jarange Patil and quell the Maratha reservation agitation ahead of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. The recording further suggests that the funds were routed to the activist through Lok Sabha MP Dr Shrikant Shinde, son of the Deputy Chief Minister.

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Jarange Patil Releases Audio Clip

According to Jarange Patil, the audio recording captures conversations held during the election campaign. In the clip, a speaker allegedly discusses strategies to counter Jarange Patil's political influence, undermine his movement's credibility, and mobilise social media narratives to challenge his campaign.

The woman in the recording claims that while the party was uncertain about the impact of Jarange Patil's support in the state polls, Rs 500 crore had already been given to him via Dr Shrikant Shinde.

Clarifying his position, Jarange Patil firmly denied accepting any money or agreeing to compromise on his agitation for Maratha reservation.

However, the authenticity of the recording, the identity of the speakers, and the exact context of the conversation have not been independently established, leaving the allegations unverified.

Behind Rs 500 Crore Row

The controversy first surfaced after Jarange Patil raised the Rs 500 crore claim during his Narayangad Dussehra rally in Beed district. He stated that senior political leaders had informed him that Shinde had allegedly told the BJP leadership in Delhi that the funds were paid.

These accusations follow the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena coalition suffered significant setbacks in Maharashtra, winning only 16 of the 48 parliamentary seats, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) secured 31 seats and the NCP won one. Political analysts note that fears of similar losses in the state assembly polls prompted aggressive efforts to reclaim support among the Maratha community.

Jarange Patil accused the state leadership of attempting to divide the community and called for a high-level investigation.

Eknath Shinde Denies Allegations, Challenges Activist To Present Evidence

Shinde rejected all allegations of a Rs 500 crore deal, maintaining that he neither gave nor received any money from the BJP. Shinde questioned the basis of Jarange Patil's claims, urged him to verify facts before issuing public statements, and stated he was completely open to an investigation.

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He challenged the activist to submit all alleged audio recordings and proof directly to appropriate investigating agencies so the truth could be formally established.

Calls For Probe

The allegations have sparked widespread political reactions across Maharashtra.

Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam questioned the timing and authenticity of the clip, asking why Jarange Patil delayed releasing it if it were genuine. Kadam suggested the recording might be part of an attempt to create friction between BJP and Shiv Sena.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut called for a thorough investigation by appropriate investigative agencies.

(With Inputs From PTI)