Jarange audio clip row may figure in Maharashtra Cabinet meeting today; Shinde camp set to press issue

Manoj Jarange Patil has stirred Maharashtra by playing an audio clip. The clip says the BJP gave Eknath Shinde Rs 500 crore to silence Jarange. It also claims to show how the BJP had plotted to spread a narrative in the state. The atmosphere across the state is tense as a result.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has taken the matter seriously and set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The Opposition says the probe should certainly be conducted by the SIT, but a case should be registered in the matter first.

Against this backdrop, the state Cabinet is to meet today, and according to sources the meeting could be stormy. Sources also said the alleged audio clip of Jarange Patil is likely to be discussed in the Cabinet. They said the Shinde camp will keep the issue alive at today's meeting, which is set to increase the BJP's discomfort.

In the past few days, MLAs and leaders of the BJP and the Shiv Sena have come face to face over the clip. Some Shiv Sena leaders had directly targeted BJP leaders. BJP leaders had hit back at Shiv Sena leaders in response. All eyes are therefore on today's meeting.

The Cabinet's drought relief sub-committee also meets today, chaired by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule. It will review the measures under way in the state's 304 drought-hit talukas, and the assistance announced for farmers, farm labourers and students. Important orders are expected on the availability of drinking and irrigation water and fodder for livestock.

Another important meeting is due today. The Chief Minister has invited the Kisan Sabha for talks. The meeting will be held at 4 pm at the Sahyadri guest house. Kisan Sabha office-bearers will leave for Mumbai shortly for the meeting.

A Kisan Sabha vehicle long march left Akole in Ahilyanagar district for Mumbai yesterday. Thousands of protesters are heading towards Mumbai. In view of this, the government has shown readiness to hold talks with the marchers.