BJP Rejects Rs 500 Crore Allegation by Maratha Leader Jarange Patil

The Maharashtra BJP has publicly distanced itself from serious allegations made by Maratha quota leader Manoj Jarange Patil, who claimed that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde offered him Rs 500 crore to cease the ongoing Maratha agitation. This assertion has sparked controversy and prompted responses from various party officials, emphasizing the need for clarity on the matter.

Chandrashekhar Bawankule, the state Revenue Minister and a senior BJP leader, stated that the party has no connection to the claims made by Jarange Patil. He urged both Jarange Patil and Shinde to address the allegations directly, underscoring that the BJP would not engage in the controversy. Bawankule remarked, "We have nothing to do with this controversy; therefore, I will not comment on it. The people who are involved and responsible for this Rs 500 crore matter will comment on it."

In response to the allegations, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde firmly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he did not receive Rs 500 crore from the BJP to persuade Jarange Patil to end the agitation. Shinde challenged Jarange Patil to provide evidence for his claims, stating, "If Mr. Jarange Patil has any evidence, then he should bring it before the people and let the people know the facts and truth. I am ready for any inquiry; let the truth come out in the probe."

Jarange Patil has announced plans to hold a press conference to present what he claims is evidence supporting his allegations. He stated that he would not make such serious claims without substantiating them. Previously, he had suggested that high-ranking BJP officials were aware of the alleged transaction involving Shinde and his son, Dr. Shrikant Shinde, which was purportedly intended to resolve the Maratha protests.

Shiv Sena minister Uday Samant commented on the situation, suggesting that confusion may have led to the serious allegations against Shinde. He mentioned that Jarange Patil claimed to possess a video implicating a BJP leader in the alleged bribe, but when asked for the video, Patil declined to share it. Samant emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind these allegations, stating, "If there is truth in it, then a probe should happen, and people should know the factual reality."