Sanjay Raut questions alleged Rs 500 crore money play to end Jarange's agitation

The political climate in the state is heated. Maratha agitator Manoj Jarange Patil held a press conference and played an audio clip, which has set off a stir in the state's political circles. The atmosphere was already tense over allegations involving Rs 500 crore, and Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) MP Sanjay Raut has now launched a sharp attack on those in power.

The alleged clip linked to Jarange's agitation is said to mention Rs 500 crore. Raut raised questions over this. He claimed the money has already been collected and is being used to buy votes and parties. Raut also said a money game is under way to end Jarange's agitation.

Raut taunted those in power, saying they think parties, MLAs, MPs and even people can be bought with money. He asked that when "we" agitate, "we are called anti-national, action is taken against us and we are put in jail. Then why should we not speak on these allegations?"

Another controversy is also under way. Several photographs related to protests were removed from "No Idea Is Final", an exhibition by Rehaan Vadra, son of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. According to Rehaan, he was asked to remove from the exhibition the photographs showing protests by young people in Delhi. The management of Bikaner House has said the photographs do not match the institution's policy.

On this matter, Raut said the government earlier feared agitations and now fears even photographs of agitations. He compared it to dictatorial-style censorship.

Raut said Rehaan has captured on camera the emotions, pain and reactions of the people involved in the protests. According to him, the photographs are an attempt to present reality through art.

On the same issue, he criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, calling them "cowardly dictators".

While accusations and counter-accusations continue over the alleged money dealings in the Jarange matter, the photo exhibition row has also grown. Raut's reaction could escalate the dispute further.