Jarange Patil cites audio clip over Rs 500 crore claim; Eknath Shinde denies any transaction

Allegations by Maratha reservation agitation leader Manoj Jarange Patil about a Rs 500 crore transaction have set off debate in Maharashtra politics. After raising questions about Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and MP Dr Shrikant Shinde at the Dussehra rally, Jarange held a press conference on October 22. Jarange claims he played an audio clip there as evidence for his allegations. The authenticity of the conversation in the clip has not been independently established so far.

Speaking at the Dussehra rally, Jarange Patil had claimed that Rs 500 crore was given to him to stop the Maratha reservation agitation, and that some BJP leaders had been told so. He alleged that Eknath Shinde informed the BJP leadership of the transaction and that the money was routed through MP Shrikant Shinde. Jarange Patil has also demanded that Eknath Shinde clarify his position on the allegations.

The clip Jarange Patil played at the press conference carries the voice of a woman speaking in Hindi. The conversation claims that Jarange Patil has already received Rs 500 crore through Shrikant Shinde. The clip says: "Jarange Patil has already received Rs 500 crore from Shrikant Shinde... Whether Jarange Patil will be useful to us in the Assembly election or not, my view is different, my calculation is different... As for the rest, what you people think..."

However, there has been no official confirmation of the identity of the people heard in the clip, or of the date and place of the conversation. The claims made in the clip therefore cannot be treated as proof that any money actually changed hands.

After Jarange Patil's allegations, Eknath Shinde put forward his side and denied the Rs 500 crore transaction. He said he has neither taken money from anyone nor given any to anyone. Shinde also said facts should be checked before serious allegations are made.

Amol Khune, a former associate of Jarange Patil, had also played the audio clip to journalists. He has questioned Jarange's allegations and claimed the clip is fabricated. A demand has also been made for action against Jarange on a charge of blackmail.

Thus, Jarange's allegations stand on one side and Shinde's denial on the other. A technical examination of the audio clip and a check of the context of the conversation will be important in establishing the truth of the allegations.

Manoj Jarange Patil is leading an agitation for Maratha reservation. For this reason, the question of money linked to the agitation has become a subject of political and social debate. The allegations raise several questions about the agitation, relations among political parties and the coming elections.

Overall, the Rs 500 crore allegation and the audio clip have triggered a political controversy, but the conversation has not so far proved that any money changed hands. Further investigation, official responses and verified evidence alone can bring out the reality of the matter.