Maharashtra: Shiv Sena delegation meets Fadnavis, demands probe into Manoj Jarange audio clip

A delegation of Shiv Sena leaders and lawmakers met Maharashtra Chief Minister CM Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday Shiv Sena leaders while meeting the CM seek a thorough forensic investigation into an audio clip presented by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange alleging payment of Rs 500 crore to him by MP Shrikant ShindeShiv Sena also questioned some BJP leaders whose names have cropped up in the audioReleasing the audio clip in Jalna Jarange alleged 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 the reservation agitation as per PTIAudio clip reveals Rs 500 crore were allegedly delivered to Manoj JarangeIn the purported conversation a speaker claims that Rs 500 crore had already been delivered to Jarange through MP Shrikant Shinde while another part of the recording discusses whether Jaranges influence would be beneficial to the party in the assembly electionsThe speakers are also purportedly heard discussing strategies to counter Jaranges growing influence in Marathwada where he has been raising issues concerning Maratha reservation farmers and loan waiversAfter Maratha quota activist Manoj Jaranges press conference Shiv Sena leaders and ministers also responded with a series of news conferences and alluded that some leaders of its ally BJP were involved in the conversation in the purported clipShiv Sena leaders questioning the authenticity of the audio clip said The alleged audio clip must be examined immediately by the Cyber Cell and a forensic laboratory Its authenticity the identification of the voices and whether the conversation has been altered or tampered with must be scientifically verified including through voice samples of the individuals concernedIn the clip one speaker says Jarange was portraying the BJP as antiMaratha and OBC leaders and there was a need to consider the political implications Another is heard saying that Jarange would continue raising different issues forcing his opponents to respond to his narrativeThe recording also purportedly refers to contacting Maratha leaders as well as mobilising community members opposed to Jarange One of the speakers allegedly suggests Jarange should be countered indirectly through other people while another warns that if his influence was not checked he could politically overwhelm the party in MarathwadaShiv Sena demands a thorough investigationThe Shiv Sena delegation wrote a letter stating Our intention is not to prejudge anyone or declare anyone guilty before the investigation is completed Our foremost demand is that the truth be established without any pressure or interferenceThe delegation comprising Shiv Sena MPs Ravindra Waikar and Milind Deora Maharashtra legislative council Deputy Chairman Sachin Ahir and former lawmakers Rahul Shewale and Deepak Sawant said the conversation in the clip allegedly contains highly objectionable defamatory and condemnable remarks concerning Eknath Shinde and Shrikant ShindeThe delegation while writing the letter also noted It is essential to investigate the truth behind this matter and determine whether there was a planned conspiracy an attempt to create confusion for political purposes or an effort by anyone to disturb social harmony in the staterdquoIt also stated that particular attention must be paid to the alleged remarks made by a woman concerning Shrikant Shinde in this audio clip it saidEknath Shindeled Shiv Sena also said A thorough investigation must establish the identity of the woman the basis on which she made these statements whether she possesses any evidence to support them and from whom she obtained this information It must also be investigated whether this was part of a deliberate conspiracy to malign Shrikant ShindeDiscussions in the media and political circles suggest that individuals involved in the conversation may be associated with the BJP it saidHowever we do not possess any official information in this regard The names of BJP leaders and MLCs Niranjan Davkhare and Pravin Darekar have also been mentioned during these discussions Therefore these leaders should also be questioned to ascertain whether any such incident actually took place the delegation saidThey also highlighted Our firm position is that if attempts are being made to defame leaders of constituent parties of the Mahayuti alliance or to make derogatory remarks against alliance partners those responsible must not receive any political protection