Jalna (Maharashtra), October 22, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Senior Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra Industries Minister Uday Samant on Thursday demanded a comprehensive investigation, including forensic analysis, a cyber probe and a Special Investigation Team (SIT), into a viral 32-minute audio clip released by Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil.
The recording has triggered a political controversy in Maharashtra, with Jarange Patil alleging a deep-rooted conspiracy to defame the Maratha reservation agitation and undermine his movement.
A segment of the audio purportedly claims that Rs 500 crore had already been delivered to Jarange Patil through Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde. It also alleges that the primary personal targets of the purported conspiracy were Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the BJP.
Addressing a press conference, Samant described the recording as part of an alleged conspiracy to damage Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s standing within the Maratha community and create misunderstandings between the Shiv Sena and the BJP.
Stressing the need to establish the authenticity of the recording, Samant called for an investigation involving the police, cyber cell, forensic science laboratories and an SIT. He said the probe should establish whose voices feature in the clip, who recorded the conversation, where it took place and how the recording reached Jarange Patil.
Referring to the allegations of a Rs 500 crore transaction and claims that Eknath Shinde had paid money to manage the protests, Samant said Jarange Patil had already clarified that he had not received any money, while Shinde had also stated his position on the matter.
Samant argued that, instead of engaging in arguments over unverified financial allegations, investigators should identify the people allegedly orchestrating the controversy behind the scenes.
With Shrikant Shinde’s name appearing in the recording, Samant maintained that the MP had no connection with the matter. He questioned why Shrikant Shinde had been named and called for an investigation into the motive behind the reference.
The minister alleged that certain elements, whether within or outside the political establishment, were attempting to drive a wedge between the Maratha community and the Shiv Sena, while also straining relations between the Shiv Sena and its alliance partner, the BJP.
A Shiv Sena delegation is expected to meet Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to formally press for the proposed investigations.
Reacting to the controversy, senior Shiv Sena leader and former minister Ramdas Kadam also questioned the allegations contained in the recording.
Kadam claimed that the individuals purportedly speaking in the clip were associated with the BJP. “What do we have to do with this? The people in the clip belong to the BJP,” he said.
He also highlighted Eknath Shinde’s contribution to securing legal backing for Maratha reservation, stating that key legal strategies for the community had been formulated at the initiative of their leadership.
FOLLOW NOW
