Mumbai, Oct 22 Maharashtra minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Thursday asked Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange to file a complaint over his allegation about payment of Rs 500 crore allegedly involving Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and assured a “thorough and impartial” probe if evidence was submitted.
In a press conference in Jalna on Thursday, Jarange released an audio clip, which he alleged was proof of a conspiracy involving a purported Rs 500 crore payment claimed to be done to him via Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde in order to “silence” him and to crush his agitation for reservation.
Talking to reporters over the issue, Bawankule said, “If Jarange has concrete evidence regarding the alleged Rs 500 crore payment (as mentioned in the) audio clip and the conspiracy to implicate him, he should register an official complaint with the police or the district collector instead of speaking only to the media.”
“Once a formal complaint is received, the Chief Minister and the Home Department will ensure an impartial and thorough inquiry through the relevant agencies,” he said.
Bawankule was speaking to reporters during his visit to the Nagpur Graduates’ constituency of the state legislative council, polling for which will be held on Friday.
During his Dussehra rally in Beed district, Jarange alleged that discussions were taking place among BJP leaders claiming (Eknath) Shinde had given him Rs 500 crore. He also called on Shinde to clarify the allegations. However, Shinde on Wednesday maintained that nobody had paid or received Rs 500 crore, and dared Jarange to prove the allegation.
Bawankule said Shinde had already denied any such financial transaction at a public rally on Wednesday, asserting that he had neither given money to anyone nor received it.
The Revenue Minister said the government would examine the complaint and take appropriate action through the relevant agencies.
The BJP leader also accused Jarange of attempting to gain public sympathy through statements expressing fears for his safety.
He said he did not wish to comment further on Jarange’s remarks and that the truth would emerge through an inquiry if a formal complaint was lodged.
Shinde had on Wednesday asked Jarange to verify his claims and produce evidence. He said an investigation should be conducted if the activist had any proof, adding that it would establish the truth.
Shinde also said he had worked for securing justice for the Maratha community and that its reservation remained intact. He urged Jarange not to turn the movement into a political platform.
The allegations have triggered reactions from leaders in the ruling alliance, with Shiv Sena leaders — minister Uday Samant and former minister Ramdas Kadam — claiming that those heard speaking in the audio clip released by Jarange belonged to the BJP. They also demanded a forensic probe into the clip.
Maharashtra minister Bharat Gogawale criticised Jarange and accused him of opportunism.
Gogawale said leaders from the Maratha community were responding to Jarange’s remarks, and warned him against making further statements against Shinde.
He said the work done by the deputy CM Shinde for the community would not be forgotten.
(PTI News)
