Mumbai, Oct 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Tension is growing between MahaYuti partners BJP and Shiv Sena following the audio clip released by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil over payout claims.
It has also led to a verbal duel between the BJP and Shiv Sena. Shiv Sena leader and former minister Ramdas Kadam on Friday levelled serious allegations against the BJP over a purported audio clip played by Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil during a press conference.
Claiming that the BJP is attempting to ‘backstab’ Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Kadam alleged that a conspiracy is being hatched against Shinde by using Jarange Patil as a pawn. He also demanded a thorough investigation into the purported clip.
However, BJP legislator Pravin Darekar strongly criticised Kadam over remarks claiming that an audio clip presented by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil was manufactured by the BJP rather than generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
He expressed disappointment over Kadam’s statements, calling it inappropriate for a senior and responsible leader to make such irresponsible comments while being part of the ruling coalition.
Speaking at a press conference, Kadam raised questions, asking, “Who has taken a vow to finish off Eknath Shinde? Is the BJP also starting to fear Shinde?”
He further demanded that the BJP respond to this matter. Kadam claimed that the clip played by Jarange was not AI-generated, but rather connected to the BJP.
During the press conference, he displayed photographs of BJP MLA Prasad Lad and Jarange meeting, stating that the two had a 32-minute discussion.
“A soldier who runs day and night for the Maratha community delivered this clip to me. I do not speak without evidence,” Kadam said.
Mentioning that the name of BJP legislator Pravin Darekar appeared in the purported clip, he demanded an investigation into the matter. Kadam stated that he has sent letters regarding this issue to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
He also accused Jarange Patil of making allegations to serve his own interests, stating that Jarange has now been exposed. “Jarange Patil should not force me to speak up on this matter. He should reveal when he received this clip,” he said.
Directly targeting BJP MLA Prasad Lad alongside Jarange Patil, Kadam questioned their political camaraderie. Pointing out that Lad had been dining with and welcoming Jarange Patil, Kadam had remarked, "What a deep friendship you two have formed!" Lad has denied charges made by Kadam, saying that he should have spoken to CM Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde before making claims.
Meanwhile, Darekar stepped up an attack against Kadam, saying that "Ramdas Kadam is a senior leader. One of his sons is the Minister of State for Home, and another is the Chairman of the MPCB. Making such statements while being together in power is not correct."
He further stated that "An SIT (Special Investigation Team) should be formed to probe the audio clip, but blaming the BJP is wrong. We respect our leaders. We supported Jarange initially, but when he launched personal attacks, we responded openly."
Raising pointed questions about the political backing behind the agitations, Darekar asked, "Who were the ones providing strength to Jarange Patil behind the scenes? Who was instigating him and setting him against Devendra Fadnavis? Should we speak out? Who was providing backing to finish off CM Fadnavis?"
He alleged that conspiracies were hatched against Devendra Fadnavis through levelled accusations, while emphasising that CM Fadnavis was the one who worked to grant reservations to the Maratha community.
Darekar also targeted the previous administration, stating that the Thackeray-led government failed to sustain the Maratha quota, whereas the Fadnavis government provided numerous welfare schemes to the community.
Commenting on the shifting narrative surrounding the activist, Darekar remarked that opinions regarding Manoj Jarange Patil have changed over time.
"Earlier, Manoj Jarange Patil seemed good, but now people say he is acting. If he is staging a drama, you [critics] prescribe cough medicine. Your stance on Jarange has changed too," Darekar said.
"If he is protesting honestly, we will stand with him. We are with the society; lakhs of marches took place, and that was the stand I took back then. I never met anyone behind the scenes. Whoever fueled Jarange Patil’s agitation will eventually come to light. Ramdas Kadam is in power and part of the Mahayuti."
Source: IANS
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