Maharashtra political row erupts over alleged Rs 500 crore audio clip

Maharashtra politics Manoj Jarange-Patil Eknath Shinde BJP Shiv Sena

A political controversy has emerged in Maharashtra following the release of an audio clip by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil. The recording purportedly features a woman discussing a Rs 500 crore payment from the BJP to Jarange-Patil via Shrikant Shinde, the son of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Jarange-Patil has denied requesting or receiving any such funds. The Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, has dismissed the allegations as a conspiracy to politically undermine him. The BJP has countered by accusing Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut of orchestrating the controversy using an AI-generated audio clip to create a rift between the BJP, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Jarange-Patil. The BJP further alleged that the operation was intended to benefit the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT).

In response to the escalating tension, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a forensic probe into the audio clip, while Jarange-Patil has called for an impartial Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry.

Entities

BJP · Eknath Shinde · Maharashtra · Manoj Jarange Patil · Manoj Jarange-Patil · Sanjay Raut · Shiv Sena · Shrikant Shinde

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered a forensic probe into the audio clip. thefederal.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The BJP claims the audio was intended to create a rift between the BJP, Shinde's Shiv Sena, and Jarange-Patil. thefederal.com
[● 2 SOURCES] An audio clip exists purportedly discussing a Rs 500 crore payment to Manoj Jarange-Patil. www.maalaimalar.com · odishabytes.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The BJP alleges the audio clip was AI-generated by Sanjay Raut. thefederal.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Manoj Jarange-Patil denies requesting or receiving any money. www.maalaimalar.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Manoj Jarange-Patil demanded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry. thefederal.com