Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, son of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, broke his silence on Saturday, 24 October over the explosive ₹500 crore audio clip controversy linked to Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil, saying he too is looking for the money allegedly mentioned in the purported recording. The clip has set off a political firestorm in Maharashtra, with multiple parties demanding a forensic investigation into its authenticity and origins.

Shrikant Shinde's Sarcastic Rebuttal

Speaking publicly for the first time since the controversy erupted, Shrikant Shinde dismissed the allegations with pointed sarcasm. 'The question that has crossed Manoj Jarange Patil's mind has also crossed mine, and I am now out searching for it,' he said. He added: 'We were discussing how ₹500 crore in cash would look together and how many vehicles would be required to transport it.'

The audio clip in question allegedly references a ₹500 crore transaction, with claims that the funds were routed to Jarange Patil through Shrikant Shinde. The MP denied any knowledge of such a transaction and deflected the matter to higher authority. 'If you find out, you tell me; if I find out, I will tell you,' he remarked.

Government Orders Forensic Probe

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has already ordered a forensic examination of the audio clip. Shrikant Shinde confirmed that the matter now falls under CM Fadnavis's purview and said the truth would emerge 'at the appropriate time.' Both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction have called for an impartial probe into the clip's origins and authenticity.

Opposition Raises the Stakes

Senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan alleged a deeper conspiracy at play, claiming the episode is designed to 'finish off' the leadership of both Manoj Jarange Patil and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. He also called for a technical and forensic analysis of the clip.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Chandrakant Khaire went further, alleging that the entire episode has the backing of the BJP, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. 'Who made Manoj Jarange Patil big, and why are they now trying to sideline him?' Khaire asked. He asserted that Jarange Patil fought for the rights of the Maratha community, which is why the community stood firmly behind him, and alleged that political leaders are now worried about their own futures because of his growing influence.

Khaire demanded a separate inquiry into Shrikant Shinde given that his name has been directly linked to the alleged financial transaction.

Jarange Patil Warns of More Revelations

Amid the escalating row, Manoj Jarange Patil — the activist at the centre of the storm — warned that he holds more 'nuclear bombs,' signalling that further disclosures may be forthcoming. This comes amid an already charged political climate in Maharashtra, where the Maratha reservation movement has repeatedly disrupted the ruling alliance's consolidation ahead of state elections.

The forensic outcome of the audio clip probe is expected to be a defining moment — either vindicating or deepening the allegations against key political figures in the state.