Maharashtra BJP-Shiv Sena alliance faces tensions:Activist Jarange alleges receiving ₹500 crore from Dy CM Shinde’s son Shrikant; CM Fadnavis orders probe

Political tensions within Maharashtra’s ruling alliance have escalated after Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange released an audio clip allegedly claiming that ₹500 crore was routed to him through Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, son of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday ordered a forensic examination of the audio clip, promising a thorough investigation to establish its authenticity and uncover the truth. The controversy intensified after Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam accused some BJP leaders of conspiring with Jarange to politically weaken Eknath Shinde. Fadnavis orders forensic examination Speaking to reporters after voting in the Maharashtra Legislative Council election for the Nagpur Graduates’ constituency, Fadnavis said a delegation led by Eknath Shinde had approached him seeking an investigation into the recording. The BJP had also demanded a probe, he added. “There is one question in all our minds. Why have these conversations surfaced only after two and a half years? What is the motive behind making them public? Who is being targeted and for what purpose?” Fadnavis said. He said the matter would be investigated using forensic methods, noting that Jarange himself had also demanded a probe. The Shiv Sena has questioned the alleged references to BJP leaders in the recording and sought clarity over the circumstances in which the conversation took place. Jarange alleges conspiracy against Maratha agitation Jarange released the audio clip in Jalna on Thursday, alleging that a conspiracy had been hatched to silence him and weaken the Maratha reservation movement. He made the recording public after Eknath Shinde challenged him to substantiate the allegations. Shinde had alleged that ₹500 crore received from the BJP was channelled to Jarange through his son, Shrikant Shinde. The viral recording allegedly features a woman claiming that ₹500 crore was given to Jarange through Shrikant Shinde. The authenticity of the recording and the allegations contained in it have not yet been established. The clip also purportedly captures a discussion about strategies to counter Jarange’s growing political influence in the Marathwada region ahead of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. One of the speakers allegedly suggests responding to Jarange indirectly rather than confronting him openly. The conversation reportedly raises concerns that Jarange’s portrayal of the BJP as anti-Maratha could become an electoral challenge. Ramdas Kadam questions BJP leaders Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam addressed a press conference in Mumbai, accusing Jarange of misleading the Maratha community and creating divisions among different groups. He also alleged that Jarange was involved in the state’s tender process. “You are conspiring with the BJP to eliminate Maratha leader Eknath Shinde,” Kadam said. He demanded to know which BJP leaders were allegedly trying to weaken Shinde and referred to BJP Legislative Council members Pravin Darekar and Prasad Lad in connection with the controversy. Both leaders are considered close to Fadnavis. Kadam also displayed photographs purportedly showing Lad and Jarange eating together and questioned the alleged involvement of BJP leaders in the matter. “Who are the people in the BJP who are trying to eliminate Eknath Shinde?” he asked. Kadam writes to Modi, Shah and Bhagwat Kadam said he had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat and Chief Minister Fadnavis, seeking a detailed forensic examination of the audio clips. He warned that the Maratha community would turn against Jarange if he acted against Eknath Shinde. The controversy has added to tensions within Maharashtra’s ruling alliance, with leaders from both the BJP and the Shiv Sena calling for an investigation. The authenticity of the audio and the allegations made by the individuals involved remain to be established.