- BJP accuses Sanjay Raut of AI-fabricated Rs 500 crore audio.
- Raut alleges internal BJP rivalry behind audio tape leak.
- CM Fadnavis orders forensic probe into controversial audio clip.
Controversy regarding the audiotape featuring Rs 500 crore payment to Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange intensified on Saturday after the BJP accused Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut of fabricating the clip using artificial intelligence (AI). The BJP alleged that the recording regarding the payment to activist Jarange was part of an attempt to advance Rahul Gandhi's agenda and create divisions within the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
To this, Raut claimed that the tape was leaked as part of the fallout of a “cut-throat” competition within the ruling party. Jarange, who has denied receiving any money, called on Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to ensure a thorough investigation and hold everyone involved accountable, news agency PTI reported. This controversy unfolded alongside claims by Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam that BJP insiders were colluding with Jarange to politically “finish off” Deputy CM and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde.
The row intensified after Fadnavis ordered a forensic examination of the audio clip on Friday. The recording, released by Jarange on Thursday, allegedly features BJP functionaries discussing an alleged payment of Rs 500 crore to the activist through Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, Eknath Shinde's son.
Recommended For You
'Raut Fabricated Audio Using AI'
The saffron party spokesperson Navnath Ban demanded a case to be registered against Raut, if required, and sought a detailed probe into whether he had received money from Rahul Gandhi to conduct the fraud.
Ban asserted that Raut had coordinated the operation from a purported war room in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, and claimed that he had taken up a task from Rahul Gandhi to defame the party in power.
How did Raut respond?
Responding to the allegations, Raut stated that Fadnavis should register a case before ordering a forensic examination of the recording, though he maintained the investigation would yield no results.He asserted that internal rivalries within the BJP led to the leak, framing the incident as a sting operation born from a "cut-throat" contest inside the party.
Addressing CM Fadnavis, who also heads the state's Home Department, Raut alleged that tensions between Fadnavis and Shinde have peaked, claiming their "cold war" could drive both leaders to attempt to politically undermine one another.
What’s there in the audio?
The audio clip allegedly features BJP functionaries discussing an alleged Rs 500 crore payment to Jarange through Shrikant Shinde. A woman is purportedly heard claiming that the money had been delivered to the activist through the Shiv Sena MP.
The recording also details strategies to counter Jarange's growing political influence in Marathwada ahead of the 2024 Assembly elections.These allegations remain unverified, pending the outcome of the forensic probe ordered by Fadnavis.