'Do Politics, Not Defamation': Shiv Sena Backs SIT Probe into Jarange Patil Audio Clip
Shiv Sena leader Anand Dubey welcomes the SIT probe into the alleged Rs 500 crore audio clip involving Manoj Jarange Patil and Shrikant Shinde.
In a significant development surrounding the Maratha quota agitation, Shiv Sena leader Anand Dubey has expressed his full support for the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the controversial Jarange Patil audio clip. Dubey emphasized that while political competition is a natural part of democracy, it should not cross the line into personal defamation.
The Battle Over the '500 Crore' Allegation
The controversy erupted following the leak of a disputed audio recording. The clip suggests that Manoj Jarange Patil, a prominent campaigner for Maratha reservations, was offered a staggering Rs 500 crore to weaken the agitation ahead of the 2024 assembly elections. The recording specifically alleges that the funds were provided by BJP leader Shrikant Shinde, the son of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Speaking to ANI, Anand Dubey dismissed these claims as "completely laughable." He questioned the logistics of such a massive sum, asking where such an amount would be counted and how it would even be transported, suggesting that the allegations are baseless and random.
SIT and Forensic Investigation
Dubey revealed that a delegation of leaders had personally met with the Chief Minister to request a formal inquiry. He stated that CM Devendra Fadnavis has provided an assurance that an SIT would be established to uncover the truth through a rigorous forensic probe.
"Our leaders themselves went and met the Chief Minister... the Chief Minister gave an assurance that an SIT would be formed to investigate and conduct a forensic probe to uncover the truth. So, this is a very good thing," Dubey remarked.
He further noted that Shrikant Shinde himself has questioned the validity of the claim, jokingly adding that they are also searching for where such a massive sum of Rs 500 crore could possibly be.
Sanjay Raut Demands ED Intervention
While the Shiv Sena welcomes the state-led SIT, the opposition has taken a much harder stance. Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut has called upon Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene, demanding that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) take over the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Raut launched a scathing attack on the BJP, alleging that the party has a history of "buying" political entities and has now moved toward "buying agitations." He questioned the source of the alleged funds and demanded a federal investigation to determine if the money actually reached Jarange Patil.
Key Points of the Contention:
- The Accusation: A leaked audio clip claims Rs 500 crore was offered to Manoj Jarange Patil via Shrikant Shinde.
- The Defense: Shiv Sena leaders call the amount "laughable" and welcome a forensic SIT probe to clear their names.
- The Opposition: Sanjay Raut demands an ED probe into the money trail and the source of the funds.
- The Action: A three-member SIT has been established by the Maharashtra CM to investigate the claims.