Maharashtra: Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange alleges BJP‑Shiv Sena suppressing truth about ₹500 crore audio clip

Summary

Manoj Jarange, a Maratha reservation activist, says a recently circulated audio recording that mentions a ₹500 crore payment is genuine and accuses the BJP and Shiv Sena of trying to hide the truth. He has called for an independent probe overseen by senior IAS officers or a judge.

Details

• Claim by Jarange: The activist asserts the audio clip is authentic and alleges that senior leaders of the BJP and Shiv Sena are attempting to suppress it. He says the recording discusses a plan to give ₹500 crore to weaken the Maratha reservation movement, allegedly through Shiv Sena MP Shri Kant Shinde, son of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
• Requested investigation: Jarange demands a Special Investigation Team (SIT) or a senior‑level inquiry with judicial oversight. He also wants protection for the source who provided the recording, refusing to reveal the informant’s identity.
• Political context: The audio has sparked fresh turbulence in Maharashtra’s politics, with Jarange accusing the ruling coalition of using state resources to damage the Maratha cause. He has announced the formation of a volunteer group called “Maratha Sevak” to monitor actions against the community.
• Current status: No independent verification of the audio’s authenticity has been published. The government has not confirmed the existence of an SIT, and the allegations remain unproven.
• How to verify: Interested parties can request the Maharashtra police or the state’s chief minister’s office for a formal statement on whether an inquiry has been launched. Media outlets may seek a forensic audio analysis from an accredited lab.

Practical implications

• If the recording proves genuine, it could lead to political fallout for the BJP‑Shiv Sena alliance and potentially trigger legal action.
• The demand for a senior‑level probe reflects growing mistrust among activist groups toward the state’s investigative mechanisms.
• The formation of “Maratha Sevak” indicates an organized effort to counter perceived political suppression.

Unknowns

• The source of the recording remains undisclosed, and its chain of custody is unclear.
• No official comment from the BJP, Shiv Sena, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde or CM Devendra Fadnavis has been reported.
• Whether the alleged ₹500 crore transaction ever occurred is unverified.

--- *Report based on statements made by Manoj Jarange to journalists in Jalna district, as covered by Amar Ujala on 30 Oct 2026.*