Raj Thackeray slams Fadnavis over audio clip, calls it murder and rape of democracy

Politics in Maharashtra has heated up after Manoj Jarange Patil brought out an audio clip, and the state has seen considerable stir over it. MNS president Raj Thackeray has now joined the debate. In a post on his official social media account, he attacked the government and aimed directly at Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Thackeray has named the alleged recording the "Friendship File". He claims it features conversation among some BJP office-bearers, people active on social media, a senior office-bearer of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and some YouTube influencers.

In his post, Thackeray wrote that an audio clip called the "Friendship File" is going viral in Maharashtra these days and everyone must have heard it. According to him, the clip is about the friendship among some BJP office-bearers, those who play a key role in the party's social media, a senior Sangh office-bearer, and YouTube influencers who call themselves neutral political analysts but, in reality, go around wearing the armour of the BJP's mudslinging brigade.

Thackeray said the conversation ranges from who gave whom Rs 500 crore to how to dominate the media. It also discusses how, if an emotional issue becomes a noose around the government's neck, a new issue of religious polarisation can be raised to divert people's attention, and what should be done for that.

He said the clip is actually 29 minutes long and the Rs 500 crore issue is echoing the loudest. In Thackeray's words, revelations will come and should come. But there should also be a discussion on how the BJP is pressuring social media and the media, he said.

On the forensic examination, Thackeray took the chief minister to task. He said the chief minister has tried to buy time by saying, "I have sought a forensic report on the clip". According to Thackeray, forensic reports are sought to test the authenticity of audio or video, and also to verify evidence in serious crimes such as murder, rape and financial scams. He said that merely listening to the conversation makes it clear that this is the murder and rape of democracy.

Thackeray remarked that it was good the chief minister has at least accepted that what was said is serious and must be investigated. His advice was to verify the evidence by all means, but if the chief minister does not know what was said in it, he should also look at what was going on behind his back.

The chief minister had said the clip was probably two years old and had asked why it had surfaced now. Thackeray responded that the real question is also how the clip came out and who brought it out. He said he sees in this the usual game of one-upmanship within the government.

Finally, he said Maharashtra should not be led around in circles over the forensic report and its technical details. Maharashtra has understood what it needed to understand. He said the chief minister should show Maharashtra how impartial he is and what action he has taken. Only then does this forensic examination mean anything, he said, otherwise it will be called a forensic bent to suit the chief minister's benefit.