In response, Jarange-Patil said he would present evidence supporting his allegations at a press conference on Thursday. Mumbai: Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday denied the ₹ 500-crore bribery allegations made against him by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, and sought an investigation into the matter.
In the last 60 years, many CMs could not do anything [for Marathas]; I have given them reservation, and it is still in place. “Who is the BJP leader who gave ₹ 500 crore to silence the Maratha agitation? At the party’s Dussehra rally, Sena leader Ramdas Kadam had said: “If you want to destroy Eknath Shinde, Marathas won’t spare you. If you speak ill of him, Maharashtra won’t tolerate it.”
The former chief minister, who is also a Maratha, urged Jarange-Patil to continue working for the community and not engage in politics. “As chief minister, I had helped the Maratha community by giving them concessions and jobs. I have given justice to Marathas. The Enforcement Directorate should investigate it, and Eknath Shinde must get a summons. Why is [chief minister] Devendra Fadnavis quiet now? I think he never lies and speaks like a Shiv Sainik. Shiv Sena leaders have slammed Jarange-Patil and defended their party chief. You claim that you are on a hunger strike, but eat in the bathroom. Should we do an inquiry on how you have amassed wealth and roam around in expensive cars? You should be happy that Eknath Shinde gave reservation to Marathas. Eknath Shinde is worshipped by Marathas.
Manoj Jarange-Patil must work for the community and not make it a political platform,” he said. Jarange-Patil says he has proof. Fadnavis must give this information [about the alleged bribe] to the ED and the Economic Offences Wing,” said Raut.
