Did Shiv Sena-UBT Leader Sanjay Raut Expose a Cash Scandal Involving Minister Sanjay Shirsat?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Allegations of Cash Involvement: Sanjay Raut's video claims Minister Shirsat possesses a bag of cash.
- Minister's Defense: Shirsat insists the bag contained only clothes, dismissing the allegations.
- High-Level Inquiry: An investigation into the Hotel VITS tender process has been initiated.
- Political Repercussions: The incident could impact the credibility of Maharashtra's political leaders.
- Public Trust at Stake: Ongoing developments will influence public perception of integrity in governance.
Mumbai, July 11 (NationPress) A political scandal has surfaced in Maharashtra following the circulation of a video on social media by Shiv Sena-UBT MP Sanjay Raut. This video allegedly depicts Shiv Sena Minister Sanjay Shirsat with a large bag filled with cash at his residence, prompting Raut to call for attention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
In his post on X, Raut stated, "This captivating video warrants the attention of the esteemed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah! What is happening in our nation! (This footage of a Maharashtra Minister speaks volumes)."
In response to the accusations, Minister Shirsat remarked, "I have just viewed that video. What it reveals is my home. I am seated in my bedroom, with my beloved dog beside me. I am not shocked by the video; it is a targeted attempt. A bag is visible. If such a large bag were intended for money, why is it stored in the cupboard?"
The Minister clarified that the bag next to him contained no money, only clothing from his residence.
Raut's decision to target Minister Shirsat comes shortly after he received a notice from the Income Tax department requesting an explanation for the increase in his assets between the 2019 and 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections.
The Shiv Sena-UBT leader also captured headlines after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a high-level investigation into the tender process for the sale of Hotel VITS at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, involving a company associated with his son Siddhant.
Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Ambadas Danve raised a motion regarding the now-cancelled tender process for the hotel sale.
Danve questioned, "A company established in 2024 was permitted to bid. The hotel bid was based on 2018 rates, which were significantly undervalued. Company cartelization led to the acceptance of a tender from a company lacking the required three years of ITR. Will there be repercussions for the officials and company that won the tender?"
Minister Shirsat defended the tender process, stating it had been floated six times previously without any bids.
He also mentioned that the tendering was conducted according to court orders.
Amid criticism, Minister Shirsat revealed last month that he had advised his son Siddhant to withdraw from the hotel procurement race.