Manoj Jarange seeks probe into audio clip row, gives state govt 30 days to act

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Saturday urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to investigate an audio clip controversy and ensure that no one involved is spared, news agency PTI reported.Jarange alleged that people from the camps of Shinde and Fadnavis were encouraging efforts to defame him and the Maratha quota agitation. He also claimed that a plot had been hatched against him because he was raising issues concerning farmers and ordinary citizens.Jarange had released an audio clip on Thursday that purportedly claimed that Rs 500 crore had been delivered to him through Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, the deputy chief minister's son.Addressing a press conference in Ankushnagar in Jalna, Jarange said, "We have revealed the things hidden behind the curtain. In fact, we have torn the curtain. Leaders of all political parties have woken up because of this, which is important for me. I will be going to the root of this case". He said Fadnavis and Shinde should also investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure that no one involved is spared. Alleging a conspiracy against him, Jarange claimed that "party funds" had been used in efforts to defame him and the Maratha quota agitation.He said members of the community would understand how the alleged plot was hatched if they listened to the audio clip. Jarange said he would "sit quietly" for the next 15 to 30 days to observe the government's response."Shinde should look into this and should not spare those involved, even if they are part of his group. If he won't act, we will believe that no caste or community should expect justice from the government," he said.He also said he wanted to know why his detractors wanted to "end" him despite his work for the Maratha community. "My house can be attacked too. Those from the camps of Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis are encouraging people to defame us," Jarange alleged.Jarange has sought a thorough investigation by Fadnavis and Shinde into the audio clip and the alleged campaign against him, while saying he will wait for up to 30 days to see how the government responds.- Ends