Sena functionaries said the clip was released days after its ministers said Shinde would become

Manoj Jarange

It is a 32-minute internal discussion, in which individuals are mentioned by name. The timestamp—3.04pm—is clearly visible,” he said. Sena functionaries said the clip was released days after its ministers said Shinde would become CM.

He said a Shiv Sena delegation had met him over the issue. I have given the same assurance to the Sena delegation,” he said. What is the motive behind it, who is being targeted and why?” he said. At the Sena’s Dussehra rally, minister Gulabrao Patil claimed that Shinde would return as chief minister and that anyone coming in the way of his return would be “wiped out” or “eliminated”. BJP MLC Pravin Darekar said it is inappropriate for a responsible neta like Kadam to behave in an irresponsible manner. An SIT (special investigation team) will be appointed to probe the audio clip, but blaming BJP is wrong,” he said. Refusing to disclose who had provided him with the recording, Jarange said govt must ensure that people willing to come forward with information receive adequate protection.

“Whatever conversation has come out will be investigated fully and forensically. However, Fadnavis questioned the timing of the clip’s release, two-and-a-half years after the alleged recording. “All of us are asking why this audio conversation is coming out now. “Making such statements while being part of the same governing coalition is not right. Kadam, a former minister, rubbished some BJP netas’ suggestion that the audio clip had been doctored with the help of AI. “This claim is entirely false. “Eknath Shinde came to you (BJP) with trust, but are you feeling scared of him? I have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat seeking a probe. Who are the snakes among us who are trying to finish Eknath Shinde? Scotching speculation of AI being used to generate the audio clip, he argued that reproducing the voices of multiple people would be difficult. He alleged that attempts had been made for three years to discredit his agitation.

In an attempt at damage control, CM Devendra Fadnavis said govt would conduct an inquiry and a forensic examination of the clip, which Jarange had played on Thursday.