Bachchu Kadu says BJP was the one defamed by Jarange audio clip, seeks probe into its release

Maratha agitator Manoj Jarange played an audio clip at a press conference two days ago. Since then, Maharashtra politics has been in turmoil, and leaders of the Shiv Sena and the BJP have been locked in a sharp exchange over the issue. Shiv Sena leader and MLA Bachchu Kadu has now given his views on it.

Kadu said that if anyone has been defamed by the clip, it is the BJP. According to him, the BJP is indulging in low-level politics. He said the clip concerned a matter of Rs 500 crore, and that the woman in it was trying to put on an air of grandeur. Kadu said that if something like this is going on, restrictions should be placed on it. He said the clip gives the impression of an attempt to show off.

Kadu asked what it had achieved after all. According to him, an attempt has been made to defame Eknath Shinde, and the BJP has also been defamed in the process. He said the clip had exposed the tactics the BJP uses for elections. Kadu demanded action in the matter. He said the motive behind all this had come out. He said an inquiry should establish why the clip has surfaced now and whether a senior leader had it released.

Kadu said that if someone is making very wrong plans, it is wrong and he opposes it. He said the leaders of the Mahayuti should sit together and settle the matter once and for all. Both Shinde and the BJP are being defamed, he said. Kadu also said the Shukracharya hiding in the jari should be found.

Kadu said a clerk from an office had given the clip to a senior person. He said the BJP was playing internal politics. The question, he said, is whether senior BJP leaders are involved. According to Kadu, he thinks they would not be involved, but such politics should not happen. Senior leaders should make the people doing such things see reason. Kadu said the situation at present is such that there appears to be a danger of a split between the two big parties. He said this should be investigated. Both parties are being defamed, and such things should be stopped and brought under control.

Kadu said a matter of Rs 500 crore is not small. He said the picture of the period from which the video is said to date is not clear. By showing grandeur, some things are given a colour, he said. Some people are claiming that they know everything. An attempt is being made to defame Eknath Shinde by bringing out the audio clip. There is an attempt to defame the BJP too, but this is exposing the BJP's tactics, he said. Who stands to gain from it should also be examined. Speaking to the media, Kadu said the leaders of the Mahayuti should stop trading charges and counter-charges.