Ramdas Kadam asks Jarange to give proof of Rs 500 crore claim against Shinde, seeks probe into his assets

Allegations and counter-allegations have intensified in Maharashtra politics. Maratha reservation agitation leader Manoj Jarange Patil made a claim involving Rs 500 crore about Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at the Dussehra rally at Narayangad in Beed district. Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) leader and former minister Ramdas Kadam then made sharp remarks against Jarange and demanded an inquiry into his assets. The Dussehra rallies have heated up the state's political atmosphere.

Speaking at the Narayangad rally, Jarange Patil named Shinde and raised serious questions. According to his claim, Shinde brought Rs 500 crore from Delhi in his name. Jarange asked, "Eknath Shinde brought Rs 500 crore from Delhi in my name. Did you tell the BJP that this money was needed to give to me? Did you give me Rs 500 crore?" He sought a direct answer on the alleged sum, which set off discussion in political circles.

The Rs 500 crore claim has so far not been independently confirmed. Official evidence in the matter will be important.

Kadam responded to Jarange's allegations at the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) Dussehra rally at the NESCO ground in Goregaon, Mumbai. He expressed strong displeasure over the allegations Jarange had made against Shinde and demanded an investigation into Jarange's assets.

Kadam said that if Shinde is being accused of giving Rs 500 crore, evidence must also be produced. He challenged Jarange to say himself who gave the money and where. Kadam also made a personal remark about Jarange. The aggressive words of his speech sharpened the political row.

Kadam demanded that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde have Jarange's assets investigated. He said it should come out how much property Jarange has, where, and in whose name. Kadam also claimed that it was Shinde who gave the Maratha community 10 per cent reservation. He said Jarange should provide evidence when making allegations against Shinde.

Kadam also referred to Abhijit Dipke's agitation. He said involving schoolchildren in an agitation should not affect their future, and criticised the agitation on that basis. He also alleged that political confrontation is being given more importance in the state than the issue of helping drought victims.

A fresh controversy has thus begun in Maharashtra politics over Jarange Patil's Rs 500 crore claim and Kadam's reply. On one side Jarange has raised direct questions; on the other, Kadam has demanded an inquiry while challenging him to produce evidence. Political circles are now watching what stand Shinde takes on the allegations and what evidence or clarification emerges.