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Last week, transport minister Pratap Sarnaik stated that the party aimed to increase its seat strength in the next assembly elections so that Shinde could become the CM again. Sena functionaries said that the clip referred to by Jarange had been released days after senior Sena ministers said Shinde would become the CM.
I have given the same assurance to a Shiv Sena delegation that met me on the issue,” the CM said, while speaking in Nagpur. These are questions everyone is asking,” he said. The controversy escalated after Jarange alleged that both Fadnavis and deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde had “planted people” to malign him and were part of a broader conspiracy involving BJP and Sena members to weaken the Maratha reservation movement. Kadam also said Jarange was “trying to hatch a conspiracy to finish a Maratha leader (Eknath Shinde) by colluding with the BJP”. Kadam said the person behind the clip’s release had connections with BJP and asked if there was a political conspiracy behind its release. He said names of BJP legislators were in the clip and BJP would have to answer these questions. BJP MLC Pravin Darekar said it is inappropriate for a responsible neta like Kadam to behave in an irresponsible manner. we chose to speak out when Jarange began making personal attacks,” Darekar said While we initially supported Jarange.
“The conversation that has surfaced will be investigated completely and examined forensically. At the same time, Fadnavis raised questions over the timing of the audio clip’s release. “Why has this audio surfaced after two-and-a-half years? What is the motive, who is the target and why now? Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam questioned the timing of the clip, saying it was from two-and-a-half years ago. “Making such statements while being part of the same ruling coalition are not right. An SIT (Special Investigation Team) will be appointed to probe the audio clip, but blaming the BJP is incorrect. We also hold our own leaders in high regard.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday assured a full investigation and forensic examination of the audio recording played by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange a day earlier, even as the episode triggered fresh tensions within Mahayuti.