Mumbai, Oct 23 — MNS Chief Raj Thackeray on Friday demanded an impartial probe in the controversial Rs 500 crore audio clip row that has stirred the political landscape of Maharashtra in the last few days.
The controversy came to light after Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil played an audio clip during a press conference, claiming that he was offered Rs 500 crore by Shiv Sena through MP Shrikant Shinde.
The Shiv Sena Shinde faction responded, saying that this was a plot to defame Eknath Shinde. “The people speaking in the clip belong to the BJP,” Shiva Sena said. However, the BJP has also demanded an inquiry to verify the audio clip’s authenticity.
While speaking to the media, Raj Thackeray on Friday said that the question is not about the Rs 500 crore mentioned in the clip, but the real question is how the planning is being executed.
“There is an attempt to defame a person like Manoj Jarange Patil. Taking someone along, defaming them later, and breaking their support system- what is going on?" he said.
Thackeray further stated, “We also know who the speakers in this clip are. They should think about this. When power goes away, they have no idea which things will come back to haunt them. The third and most important question is: where did this clip actually come from?”
Criticising the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' response, Thackeray remarked that he attempted to buy time by stating he had called for a forensic report. "Forensic reports are typically sought to verify the authenticity of audio or video evidence in serious crimes like murder, rape, and financial scams. In truth, listening to the conversation makes it clear that this is nothing short of the murder and rape of democracy," he stated.
He added that it is fortunate the Chief Minister acknowledged the gravity of the statements and the need for an investigation.
However, Thackeray challenged the CM, saying, "If you were completely unaware of what was being discussed, you need to look into what has been operating right behind your back." Addressing the Chief Minister’s observation that the clip is likely two years old and questioning the timing of its release, Thackeray pointed out that how and by whom the clip leaked points directly to internal "power plays and factional politics" within the government.
"Do not trap Maharashtra in a maze of technicalities and forensic reports. Maharashtra has understood what it needed to understand. You acknowledge the gravity of it; now, as Chief Minister, demonstrate to Maharashtra just how impartial you are and what action you take. Only then will this forensic report have any meaning; otherwise, it will just look like a forensic report bent to suit your convenience," Thackeray warned.
Meanwhile, following a meeting with MNS office-bearers, Thackeray informed that he will tour drought-affected areas after Diwali to review the water scarcity situation. Pointing out the grim situation in the districts of Marathwada, he said that nothing will be achieved with the financial aid of Rs 5,000 provided by the government.
"If water planning is not done properly in Marathwada, there is a possibility that it will turn into a desert, and I have been speaking about this for a long time. However, this is not being considered," he added.
Providing details, Thackeray stated that proper water planning is absent in Marathwada. Borewells are being dug illegally, licenses are being granted to beer factories, tap water is being sold, and water is being extracted from wells for illegal activities.
He appealed for strict planning in this regard. Currently, there is an urgent need for drinking and agricultural water. Therefore, consideration should be given to events like the Kumbh Mela and other religious programs, suggested Thackeray when asked about the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Nashik. The water crisis is going to escalate further.