Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil’s release of audio clips claiming to feature an internal conversation among BJP functionaries has triggered a flurry of allegations and counter-allegations. But the key question is: who handed the recordings to Jarange-Patil, assuming they have not been fabricated?
the clips have already gone viral While Fadnavis has announced a forensic examination to establish the authenticity of the recordings. The alleged motive: to kill two birds with one stone by damaging both chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde. A conversation on how to corner Jarange-Patil could trigger a backlash against the BJP and Fadnavis among Marathas. Both the BJP and Shiv Sena camps believe Jarange-Patil’s support among Marathas has waned. Nevertheless, they remain wary of the political fallout of the controversy. The minister in question could also be among the contenders if Fadnavis moves to national politics and the BJP’s top bosses rule out Shinde as his successor.
One of the suspects is a minister in the ruling coalition who belongs to the Maratha community, according to insiders in the BJP and Shiv Sena. The minister is also said to have developed good relations with the Maratha activist.
They also point out that Sharad Pawar did not visit him during his week-long agitation in Pune, where he demanded action against Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) chairman Vivek Bhimanwar over the paper leak case. Several leaders, including senior Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) figures and MNS chief Raj Thackeray, visited Rohit during the agitation. Significantly, these developments come amid speculation that the young legislator could join the Congress in the coming days. Satej Patil, who took on the three ruling Mahayuti partners and emerged victorious in the politically significant election to the Kolhapur District Milk Producers’ Cooperative Federation, popularly known for its Gokul milk brand, is fast becoming a prominent face of the Congress. Eyebrows were raised within the ruling NCP after two officers on special duty (OSDs) in deputy chief minister Sunetra Pawar’s office were issued notices in connection with the Pune land deal controversy involving Amadea Enterprises, in which NCP MP Parth Pawar faced allegations.
Rohit has skipped three previous party meetings as well, citing various reasons, including work in his constituency, according to party insiders.
A member of the legislative council, Patil was the Congress nominee for the post of Leader of the Opposition.
The position, previously held by leaders such as Sharad Pawar, Nitin Gadkari and Chhagan Bhujbal, carries considerable political significance.
