Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde on Saturday denied receiving any money allegedly meant for Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange, while the activist called on Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to investigate the controversy surrounding a viral audio clip claiming that Rs 500 crore had been routed to him.
In his first reaction to the recording, Shrikant, son of the deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde, said he was also searching for the person who had allegedly been given the money to pass on to him. "I am also looking for the man who was given Rs 500 crore.... The money did not even reach me. I have the same question as Jarange," Shinde told reporters in Mumbai.
"We were wondering how would (a stash of) Rs 500 crore look and how many vehicles it would need (to transport)," he jokingly added.
Shinde said Fadnavis had ordered a probe that would clarify the matter.
Jarange, meanwhile, maintained that the audio clip was genuine and urged Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde to get to the bottom of the controversy and ensure that no one involved was spared. He also called for Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam to be questioned.
The activist released the recording on Thursday, alleging that it exposed a conspiracy to silence him and weaken the Maratha reservation agitation.
The purported conversation between BJP functionaries includes a woman claiming that Rs 500 crore had been delivered to Jarange through Shrikant Shinde. The speakers are also heard discussing ways to counter Jarange's growing political influence in the Marathwada region ahead of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections.
Jarange has denied accepting any money and alleged that a plot had been hatched against him because he was raising issues concerning farmers and ordinary citizens. "We have revealed the things (hidden) behind the curtain. In fact, we have torn the curtain. Leaders of all political parties have woken up because of this, which is important for me. I will be going to the root of this case," he said.
"Those from the camps of Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis are encouraging people to defame us", he added.
Jarange also questioned how Kadam had obtained the recording and why it had surfaced only now, despite allegedly dating back to October 14, 2024, before the state elections.
Earlier, Kadam had alleged that BJP insiders were colluding with Jarange to politically “finish” Shiv Sena chief and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.
Jarange said the recording pointed to a conspiracy to weaken the Maratha reservation movement and urged Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde to question Kadam about the source of the clip. He also alleged that Kadam possessed the complete recording but had disclosed only the portion mentioning Shrikant Shinde.
(With inputs from PTI)
