States » WestPosted at: Oct 23 2026 6:53PM


Fadnavis questions timing of Jarange audio clip release

Nagpur, Oct 23 (UNI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday questioned the timing of the release of a purported audio clip linked to Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil, asking why the conversation had surfaced after two-and-a-half years.
Fadnavis said the authenticity of the recording, which contains allegations of a purported Rs 500-crore transaction involving Jarange through Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, would be thoroughly examined through forensic methods.
Speaking to reporters in Nagpur after casting his vote in the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections, Fadnavis said both the BJP and the Shiv Sena, led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, had sought an investigation.
Jarange had also demanded a probe into the matter.
He questioned the motive behind releasing the conversation after such a long gap and asked who was being targeted and for what purpose.
Fadnavis assured that the truth would emerge after a detailed investigation into the recording.
The controversy erupted after Jarange released the purported audio clip on Thursday, alleging a conspiracy to weaken his agitation for Maratha reservation and undermine his influence.
The recording allegedly contains a claim that Rs 500 crore was routed to him through Shrikant Shinde.
The authenticity of the recording and the allegations contained in it have not been independently established.
Former Shiv Sena MP Rahul Shewale alleged that the controversy was part of a political conspiracy aimed at creating differences among Mahayuti allies and damaging the image of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.
Meanwhile, Senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar said the authenticity of the clip should be established and any attempt to malign political leaders through it should also be investigated.
Wadettiwar alleged that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had fuelled tensions between the Maratha and Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities for political gains and the chief minister's post.
He said the growing tussle for power within the ruling alliance had diverted attention from pressing public issues, including drought, unemployment and problems faced by Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) aspirants.
He called for a thorough inquiry into the audio clip to establish the facts and ensure that those responsible, if any, were identified.
The controversy erupted after Jarange released portions of a purported audio recording alleging a conspiracy to weaken his Maratha reservation agitation and referring to an alleged payment of Rs 500 crore through Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde. The authenticity of the recording and the allegations remain unverified.
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