AAP Demands Probe into ₹500-Crore Allegation, Seeks Action Against Shinde Leaders
Raviraj Kale questions silence of ED, CBI; demands independent, court-monitored investigation into alleged financial transaction
PIMPRI-CHINCHWAD: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Yuva Aghadi Maharashtra president Raviraj Baban Kale has demanded an immediate investigation into the alleged ₹500-crore transaction involving Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, MP Shrikant Shinde and BJP functionaries, following an audio clip released by Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil.
Kale called for the immediate arrest of Eknath Shinde, Shrikant Shinde and the BJP functionaries allegedly involved in the transaction. He also demanded an independent investigation under judicial supervision and verification of the authenticity of the audio clip.
“The audio clip presented by Manoj Jarange Patil and the allegation of a ₹500-crore transaction involving the BJP and Eknath Shinde are not merely a political controversy. They concern the aspirations of the Maratha community,” Kale said in a statement.
Referring to Eknath Shinde’s reported denial of the allegations, Kale questioned the origin of the audio clip and demanded that the identities of the BJP MLAs and functionaries allegedly involved, along with the details of who paid the money, how the transaction took place and for what purpose, be made public.
At the same time, Kale urged Jarange Patil to disclose when and how he obtained the audio clip, its source and other relevant details, stating that transparency was essential to maintaining public trust.
Questions ED, CBI and Police
Kale questioned the functioning of central investigating agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), drawing a comparison with the cases involving Aam Aadmi Party leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia.
He alleged that investigating agencies had acted aggressively against AAP leaders but appeared silent over the allegations involving Maharashtra’s ruling establishment.
“Why are the ED, CBI and police silent now? Have the agencies that pursued Kejriwal and Sisodia gone into a state of inaction when allegations are made against Eknath Shinde and Shrikant Shinde?” Kale asked.
He also questioned Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in his capacity as Home Minister, demanding to know whether action would be taken against BJP functionaries if their alleged involvement in the transaction was established.
Alleges Attempt to Suppress Movements
Kale further questioned the alleged motive behind the ₹500-crore transaction, asking whether it was connected to attempts to weaken or discredit public movements, including those led by the Maratha community, OBC groups, Adivasi students, farmers and youth.
He alleged that the BJP was attempting to suppress peaceful protests through political pressure and other means. He demanded that the circumstances surrounding the alleged transaction and any possible links to the Maratha reservation movement be thoroughly investigated.
Kale warned that the Aam Aadmi Party would launch a statewide agitation if the authorities failed to act on its demands.
He also criticised the ruling establishment, alleging that while Maharashtra was facing a severe drought, political leaders were preoccupied with attempts to undermine public movements.
The allegations regarding the ₹500-crore transaction and the authenticity and origin of the audio clip require independent verification. The demands for arrests and investigation were made by Kale; the allegations should not be treated as established facts unless substantiated by evidence and the findings of a competent investigating agency.
