Full Breakdown
Alleged Rs 500 crore audio clip fuels political clash in Maharashtra
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Release of the purported “Friendship File” audio
In late October 2026, Maratha-quota activist Manoj Jarange released a 29- to 32-minute recording he said exposed a INR500 crore payment to him through Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, son of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The clip, dubbed the “Friendship File,” features voices that appear to be BJP functionaries, a senior RSS official and YouTube analysts discussing the payment, strategies to curb Jarange’s influence ahead of the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections, and ways to manipulate media and stir religious polarisation.
Background & Context
Jarange has been leading a Maratha reservation agitation, positioning himself as a champion of farmers and ordinary citizens. His activism has drawn the attention of Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti alliance—BJP, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP. The audio intensified tensions within the alliance, prompting calls for investigations and accusations of intra-alliance sabotage.
Official Statements & Responses
- BJP spokesperson Navnath Ban said the recording was fabricated with AI tools and alleged Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut created it at the behest of opposition leader Rahul Gandhi.
- Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) Prasad Lad demanded Raut be named the primary conspirator and that an offence be registered.
- Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut claimed the audio was scripted at the *Saamana* office, with AI-generated voice-overs, and that a BJP MLC leaked it.
- Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered a forensic examination, stating any emerging audio or video evidence would undergo technical review.
Criticism & Opposition
- Raj Thackeray criticised the BJP’s alleged media-control tactics and the timing of the forensic probe, calling it an attempt to “buy time.”
- Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam accused Jarange of colluding with the BJP to target Eknath Shinde, labeling the claims misleading and divisive.
Data & Statistics
- Alleged payment: INR500 crore.
- Clip length: approximately 29–32 minutes.
- Participants mentioned: BJP office-bearers, a senior RSS functionary, YouTube influencers and a woman claiming the payment was delivered via Shrikant Shinde.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Authenticity: BJP says the recording is AI-generated; Raut says he scripted it with AI voice-overs; Jarange treats it as genuine evidence.
- Origin: Raut alleges a BJP MLC leaked the clip; Ban attributes its creation to Rahul Gandhi’s direction; no forensic findings have been released.
- Age of the recording: Fadnavis suggested it could be about two years old, raising questions about its timing.
- Forensic outcome: The probe ordered by the chief minister is pending, leaving the factual status of the alleged payment unresolved.
Verbatim Quote
- “The clip was leaked by a BJP MLC. He was involved in the talks with Jarange. The CM treated him with a lot of affection, which has backfired,” — Sanjay Raut