Jarange asks Eknath Shinde about Rs 500 crore claim; Ramdas Kadam says 65 MLAs back Shinde

Maratha reservation movement leader Manoj Jarange Patil raised the issue of an alleged transaction of Rs 500 crore involving Eknath Shinde at the Dussehra gathering in Narayangad. Jarange asked directly whether Shinde had told BJP leaders that Rs 500 crore had reached them through Shrikant Shinde. Ramdas Kadam, a senior leader of Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, has responded to the statement.

Speaking at the Narayangad gathering, Jarange sought an explanation from Shinde over the alleged talk. He claimed that some BJP leaders were whispering among themselves that he had received Rs 500 crore.

Jarange asked, "Shindesaheb, did you give me Rs 500 crore? Did you tell BJP leaders that the money reached me through Shrikant bhaiyya Shinde?"

Jarange also demanded that Shinde reply on the matter at the Dussehra gathering or by evening. He said he would not stay silent without finding out whether the attempt to finish him was actually coming from the BJP or from Eknath Shinde.

Responding to Jarange's statement, Kadam spoke about the political support Shinde enjoys. Kadam said he wanted to tell Jarange Patil that Shinde earlier had 40 MLAs and now has 65 MLAs behind him. According to Kadam, when 65 MLAs stand firmly with Shinde, there is nothing to worry about. Kadam asked who would finish him, and said that even if someone tried, Jarange was not new to politics.

Kadam also alleged that some people want to create differences between the Shiv Sena and the BJP. He said clearly that attempts to set the two parties against each other would not succeed.

Kadam said, "Jarange Patil kept nothing in his mind, and I thank him for that. He has spoken openly and plainly. Because he kept nothing back, there will be more clarity. Shinde saheb too will come to know who these people are. Do some people want to create a rift between the Shiv Sena and the BJP? Those who have come out against the alliance to agitate want to make us quarrel, but that will not happen."

Political circles are now watching how Shinde responds to the question Jarange has raised.