Jarange challenges Fadnavis and Shinde to bring out the truth behind audio clip

Manoj Jarange Patil's release of an audio clip has stirred state politics. The clip has also brought out into the open the simmering friction within the Mahayuti. Leaders of the BJP and the Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena are attacking each other sharply. Jarange has now targeted them once again over the issue.

As the two sides traded charges, Jarange issued a direct challenge to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Speaking to the media, Jarange demanded that both leaders find out the truth behind the audio clip. He said there must be a clear disclosure of whether the clip is genuine or fake.

Jarange said he alleges that an attempt was made to crush the Maratha agitation. Leaders of the two parties are now blaming each other over this very issue. But Jarange also said the real question should not be lost in the dispute.

Speaking on the truth of the clip, Jarange expressed hope that Fadnavis and Shinde would keep watch on the investigation. He said the probe should make clear whether the claims made in the clip are correct. He demanded that the matter be settled once and for all, separating the true from the false.

Jarange also reminded them that the Maratha community had worked for both leaders and had voted for them too. Citing this, he questioned the stand of both leaders on the agitation. He appealed for the allegations linked to the agitation to be investigated and the truth brought out.

Jarange expects the truth to emerge through an SIT and a forensic examination in the matter. He also said Chief Minister Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde should take the matter seriously.

Meanwhile, it is being said that senior leaders have advised restraint in the political row over the audio clip. As a result, the exchange of charges between leaders appears to have subsided somewhat.

Even so, all eyes are now on what the investigation finally turns up and what stand the government takes on this demand.