Mhaske names three BJP figures over Jarange's alleged audio clip, seeks probe

Manoj Jarange Patil held a press conference and played an alleged audio clip, which has stirred up the state's politics. The state is already embroiled in disputes over several issues, and the clip has added fuel to them. Many views are being aired in political circles. Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MP Naresh Mhaske has responded, making a startling statement.

The alleged clip claims that Rs 500 crore was given to Jarange Patil through a Shiv Sena MP. Mhaske has taken a hard line on this. He said the people in the clip are linked to the BJP. He also named three BJP leaders, which raises the prospect of a political row. Mhaske has demanded an inquiry into the truth of the clip.

Speaking to the media, Mhaske appealed to Jarange to hand the audio clip over to the police and the cyber cell. He said that if the voices in the clip are examined, it may become clear who is behind the whole affair.

Mhaske also said the inquiry should look into who is trying to create a dispute between Jarange and the Shiv Sena. He appealed that no allegations be made against Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde without evidence.

On the voices in the alleged clip, Mhaske named BJP spokespersons Shweta Shalini and Nidhi Kamdar, and MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar. He also demanded that if the clip is genuine and contains objectionable conversation about leaders of an allied party, senior leaders take note of it.

The alleged clip that Jarange played at the press conference is said to contain a conversation between women. One of the women is reported to have claimed that Rs 500 crore reached Jarange through Shrikant Shinde. The conversation is also said to discuss Jarange's role in the Assembly election.

For now, it cannot be said with certainty whether the clip is genuine or has been tampered with. Whether it was made with the help of AI will also become clear only through an inquiry. The truth will emerge only after the original recording, digital evidence and the versions of the people concerned are examined. Attention now turns to whether an official inquiry is held and what it finds.