Jarange’s audio clips trigger Mahayuti tensions

Bawankule asked Jarange to file a complaint over his allegation about payment

Mumbai: Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil escalated his ongoing conflict with the state government this week by releasing explosive audio clips during a press conference in Beed, alleging a multi-year, BJP-backed conspiracy to defame him, disrupt the Maratha agitation, and falsely claim he received Rs500 crore from Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s faction.

Fault Lines

The release of the unverified audio clip has triggered a severe political earthquake within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, prompting Shiv Sena leaders to demand a forensic cyber probe into the alleged involvement of BJP members, thereby exposing deep fault lines between the alliance partners.

The controversy erupted following Jarange Patil’s Dussehra rally at Narayangad, where he challenged Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to answer rumours allegedly circulating among BJP leaders that Shinde had paid him Rs 500 crore.

In a subsequent press conference, Jarange Patil played audio clips of conference calls involving several individuals discussing strategies to politically damage him, defame the Maratha agitation, and target Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

At Ankushnagar, Jarange sought to identify the speakers. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Fadnavis and Shinde to order a probe. “If CM Fadnavis does not probe the clip, it means he himself is involved in the conspiracy,” he alleged.

One of the clips features a woman stating, “Jarange Patil has already received 500 crore rupees. This money was given through Shrikant Shinde.” The clips also purportedly contain discussions about using “Vote Jihad” politics, exploiting the OBC-ification of the Maratha community, and utilizing BJP party funds to support Jarange Patil’s opponents.

Mentioning the names of BJP leaders Niranjan Davkhare and Pravin Darekar, Jarange Patil demanded that CM Devendra Fadnavis and DCM Eknath Shinde investigate the origins of the conspiracy. Warning Shind, he threatened to expose further WhatsApp calls and communications involving ministers if the alleged harassment did not cease.

The recording purportedly discusses how Jarange’s influence could affect Assembly elections and how to counter him in Marathwada, where he has raised reservation, farmers’ issues and loan waivers. Speakers allegedly discuss contacting Maratha leaders and mobilising community members opposed to him.

Sena Hits Back

The Shiv Sena immediately went into damage control while simultaneously pointing fingers back at the BJP. Senior Sena leader Ramdas Kadam questioned the timing of the release, noting the primary clip dates back to October 2024.

Kadam questioned why Jarange Patil withheld the recording through the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, while explicitly agreeing that the voices in the clip belong to BJP members.

Kadam urged Jarange Patil not to split the Maratha community and demanded a thorough investigation by the Chief Minister and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to uncover who was attempting to defame Eknath Shinde.

Jarange said he had regarded Sharad Pawar and the late Ajit Pawar as community leaders, and had believed Shinde represented Maratha interests, but accused him of betraying that trust. Shinde denied the payment allegation on Wednesday and challenged Jarange to prove it. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Lakhe Patil had threatened a defamation suit.

Adding fuel to the inter-alliance friction, Industries Minister Uday Samant held a press conference in Kolhapur explicitly demanding that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis order a comprehensive forensic and cyber cell investigation. Samant directly alleged that the voices in the clip resemble those of BJP spokesperson Shweta Shalini, BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar, and YouTuber Sushil Kulkarni.

Samant demanded that their voice samples be tested in a forensic lab and challenged the BJP to clarify its position and specify what disciplinary action it would take if their involvement is proven.

Samant said Shinde denied receiving money and Jarange had said he had not received it. Kadam said Shinde had helped secure justice for Marathas and claimed he possessed a recording of a confidential meeting attended by Jarange and a BJP MLA, but gave no details of when it occurred.

State BJP spokesperson, Navnath Ban, on the other side, too demanded formation of an SIT to investigate into the clip and allegations. Revenue minister and OBC leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule, meanwhile, said that Jarange should not just talk about it, but he should lodge a proper complaint so that the inquiry begins and it shall bring out the truth in the case.

Probe Assured

Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Thursday asked Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange to file a complaint over his allegation about payment of Rs 500 crore allegedly involving Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and assured a “thorough and impartial” probe if evidence was submitted.

In a press conference in Jalna on Thursday, Jarange released an audio clip, which he alleged was proof of a conspiracy involving a purported Rs 500 crore payment claimed to be done to him via Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde in order to “silence” him and to crush his agitation for reservation.

Talking to reporters over the issue, Bawankule said, “If Jarange has concrete evidence regarding the alleged Rs 500 crore payment (as mentioned in the) audio clip and the conspiracy to implicate him, he should register an official complaint with the police or the district collector instead of speaking only to the media.”

“Once a formal complaint is received, the Chief Minister and the Home Department will ensure an impartial and thorough inquiry through the relevant agencies,” he said.

Bawankule was speaking to reporters during his visit to the Nagpur Graduates’ constituency of the state legislative council, polling for which will be held on Friday.

During his Dussehra rally in Beed district, Jarange alleged that discussions were taking place among BJP leaders claiming (Eknath) Shinde had given him Rs 500 crore. He also called on Shinde to clarify the allegations. However, Shinde on Wednesday maintained that nobody had paid or received Rs 500 crore, and dared Jarange to prove the allegation.

Bawankule said Shinde had already denied any such financial transaction at a public rally on Wednesday, asserting that he had neither given money to anyone nor received it.

The revenue minister said the government would examine the complaint and take appropriate action through the relevant agencies.

The BJP leader also accused Jarange of attempting to gain public sympathy through statements expressing fears for his safety.

He said he did not wish to comment further on Jarange’s remarks and that the truth would emerge through an inquiry if a formal complaint was lodged.

Shinde had on Wednesday asked Jarange to verify his claims and produce evidence. He said an investigation should be conducted if the activist had any proof, adding that it would establish the truth.

Shinde also said he had worked for securing justice for the Maratha community and that its reservation remained intact. He urged Jarange not to turn the movement into a political platform.

The allegations have triggered reactions from leaders in the ruling alliance, with Shiv Sena leaders -- minister Uday Samant and former minister Ramdas Kadam -- claiming that those heard speaking in the audio clip released by Jarange belonged to the BJP. They also demanded a forensic probe into the clip.

Maharashtra minister Bharat Gogawale criticised Jarange and accused him of opportunism.

Gogawale said leaders from the Maratha community were responding to Jarange’s remarks, and warned him against making further statements against Shinde.

He said the work done by the deputy CM Shinde for the community would not be forgotten.