Pratap Rao Jadhav seeks probe into timing of Jarange audio clip release before Council polls

Allegations and counter-allegations over an audio clip of Manoj Jarange Patil show no sign of abating in Maharashtra politics. Union Minister of State and Shiv Sena leader Prataprao Jadhav has now given his view on the matter. His main question was why the clip had surfaced at this particular time.

Jadhav demanded an inquiry into the motive behind bringing out a clip a year and a half old, a day before the Legislative Council election. He said that surfacing such an old clip just before an election raises questions.

Jadhav also said Jarange's allegations need to be investigated. According to him, if it is being claimed that the audio clip contains names of BJP leaders, the BJP should be the first to demand an inquiry. Jadhav said the truth of the matter should come before the public and no one's voice should be suppressed.

Speaking on Eknath Shinde's leadership, Jadhav pointed to the formation of the Mahayuti government. He claimed that had Shinde not taken a bold decision, it would have been difficult for the BJP to gain power in Maharashtra.

Jadhav also referred to decisions taken by the BJP on leadership in Maharashtra and Bihar. He expressed displeasure over the statements being made about Eknath Shinde and said that attempts to underestimate Shinde's leadership were not right.

On the Maratha reservation issue, Jadhav said the decision to give the Maratha community 10 per cent reservation was taken by the government led by Eknath Shinde. He also said many people in Vidarbha, despite belonging to the OBC category, did not go against Jarange's agitation out of a sense of social responsibility.

Jadhav further said Shiv Sena workers feel that an attempt is being made to defame Eknath Shinde and MP Shrikant Shinde.

In the whole matter, the outcome of an inquiry will matter more than the allegations. The picture will become clear only when official information emerges on how genuine the clip is, what its context is and what the circumstances were behind making it public.