The political row over an audio recording alleging a ₹ 500 crore payment to Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange intensified on Saturday, with the BJP accusing Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut of fabricating the clip using artificial intelligence (AI). The BJP alleged that the recording was part of an attempt to advance Rahul Gandhi’s agenda and create divisions within the ruling alliance.
Meanwhile, Jarange, who has denied receiving any money, called on Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to ensure a thorough investigation and hold everyone involved accountable, news agency PTI reported. BJP spokesperson Navnath Ban called for a case to be registered against Raut, if required, and demanded an investigation into whether he had received money from Rahul Gandhi to carry out the alleged conspiracy. He, however, claimed that the investigation would not produce any results. “The clip was leaked by a BJP MLC. He was involved in the talks with Jarange.
Raut rejected the charge, claiming that a BJP member of legislative council (MLC) had leaked the recording amid what he described as “cut-throat competition” within the party. Responding to the allegations, Raut said Fadnavis should first register a case before ordering a forensic examination of the recording. The CM treated him with a lot of affection, which has backfired,” Raut said without identifying the lawmaker. “If an internal audio clip is getting leaked, then the Home Department has gone against you (the CM),” Raut said.
