Clip allegedly refers to money being routed through Shrikant Shinde; Eknath Shinde denies allegations, leaders seek forensic probe

Mumbai: A purported audio clip played by Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange-Patil at a press conference on Thursday has triggered a political controversy in Maharashtra, with allegations of a 500-crore payment and a conspiracy against the Maratha quota movement. Jarange claimed that the clip referred to 500 crore being delivered to him through Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde. He accused Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and certain BJP leaders of being linked to attempts to undermine his movement. However, the authenticity of the recording, the identities of the speakers and the alleged financial transaction have not been independently verified.

Jarange had earlier raised the issue at a Dussehra rally at Narayangad in Beed district, claiming that discussions among BJP leaders suggested that Eknath Shinde had told them that 500 crore had been given to him. On Thursday, he played the purported recording, saying it supported his concerns about a conspiracy against him.

In one portion of the clip, a female voice allegedly says that 500 crore had already reached Jarange through Shrikant Shinde. The conversation also purportedly discusses whether Jarange’s political position would benefit a particular group in the Assembly elections. The claims remain unverified, and the recording by itself does not establish that any money changed hands.

Questioning Eknath Shinde, Jarange asked whether he had told BJP leaders that 500 crore had been handed over to him and whether Shrikant Shinde had been used as an intermediary. He alleged that efforts had been underway for three years to weaken the Maratha reservation agitation and damage his public image. He called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and both Deputy Chief Ministers to investigate the matter.

Jarange also claimed that the recording contained discussions about targeting Fadnavis politically, campaigns concerning the Maratha community’s inclusion in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, so-called “vote jihad” politics and efforts to influence the political narrative in Marathwada. He alleged that the BJP’s party funds were being used to support people working against him. The names of BJP leaders Niranjay Davkhare and Pravin Darekar were also mentioned in connection with the purported conversations, according to Jarange. There is, however, no independently verified evidence establishing that the individuals named participated in any such alleged plan or that party funds were used for this purpose.

Jarange warned that he would make further revelations in the coming months if the alleged activities against him continued. He also raised questions about the funding for the Narayangad religious and social gathering, alleging that attempts had been made to obstruct the funds. These allegations have not been independently substantiated.

Eknath Shinde rejected the allegation concerning the 500-crore payment, stating that he had neither given nor received such an amount. He urged Jarange to verify his claims before making allegations and said that any evidence should be submitted for investigation. Shinde maintained that the matter should be investigated so that the facts could emerge.

Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske called for the recording to be handed over to the police and the cyber cell for verification. He said investigators should establish who created and circulated the clip, identify the voices and determine whether anyone was attempting to create a rift between Jarange and the Shiv Sena.

Mhaske also raised questions about whether the voices in the recording belonged to BJP spokesperson Shweta Shalini, Nidhi Kamdar and BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar. Their identities have not been independently confirmed. Mhaske said that if the recording proved authentic and contained remarks against leaders of an alliance partner, the party leadership should examine the matter and take appropriate action.

Shiv Sena leader and state minister Uday Samant also called for an investigation, describing the matter as serious if the recording proved genuine. He sought clarification on who circulated the clip and whose voices were heard in it. BJP spokesperson Navnath Ban, meanwhile, suggested that the recording could have been generated using artificial intelligence, raising further questions about its authenticity and whether it had been manipulated.