BJP, Shinde Sena trying to bury truth: Manoj Jarange on audio clip row

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has accused the ruling BJP and Shiv Sena of trying to suppress the truth behind an audio clip referring to an alleged payment of Rs 500 crore to him, news agency Press Trust of India reported. He maintained that the recording was genuine and demanded an independent enquiry by senior IAS officers or a judge.

Jarange alleged that attempts were being made to portray the clip as fake to protect those involved and weaken the Maratha reservation agitation. A three-member Special Investigation Team has been formed to investigate the recording.

Jarange had last week released an audio clip purportedly containing a conversation between BJP functionaries about Rs 500 crore being paid to him through Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, the son of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Speaking to reporters at Ankushnagar in Jalna district, Jarange said, “After a few days, they will try to prove the clip false. They cannot digest the truth and are spreading a false narrative against me. People associated with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis are following me and conspiring against me.”

According to PTI, Jarange questioned how Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam obtained the original and complete recording. He asked who had given Kadam the clip and why only a portion of it had been released to the public.

“If the BJP and Shiv Sena have no involvement in this matter, they should come forward and expose the truth,” he said.

Jarange said he would not reveal the identity of the person who gave him the recording because of safety concerns. He urged Shinde and Fadnavis to guarantee the source's protection.

The activist alleged that state resources were being used to tarnish his reputation and damage the Maratha reservation movement.

“If these people are conspiring without the knowledge of Fadnavis and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it will damage the BJP. If the truth is not brought out, people will suspect their involvement,” he said.

Jarange also announced plans to form a group of “Maratha Sevaks”, describing them as selfless and committed volunteers who would identify and counter those working against the interests of the Maratha community.

He praised the police chiefs of Jalna and Beed districts for not yielding to political pressure, but criticised the security arrangements during a recent rally at Narayan Gad in Beed district.- Ends