“The ?500 crore matter is closed for us until the forensic report arrives” – Sanjay Shirsat’s clear statement.

Mumbai: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat has articulated a clear stance regarding the alleged ?500 crore audio clip case brought to light by Manoj Jarange-Patil. Speaking to reporters in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, he stated, “For us, the ?500 crore matter is closed. The Chief Minister has already ordered an investigation by a forensic laboratory. This inquiry will clarify whose voice it is, who spoke, when it was said, and where the recording took place. It would be inappropriate to comment further until the forensic report is available.” Shirsat added that there is no competition within the ‘Mahayuti’ (ruling alliance) to undermine one another. However, he emphasized that it must be uncovered how this audio clip surfaced, who brought it forward, and who the ‘snakes in the grass’ (traitors within) are. He also noted that the Shiv Sena itself had demanded an investigation into the matter. Manoj Jarange-Patil had played this audio clip during a press conference on October 20. It is alleged that the clip mentions the BJP providing ?500 crore to Jarange-Patil through Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and MP Shrikant Shinde—a claim that sparked discussions within the Mahayuti alliance. Regarding this, Sanjay Shirsat said, “Let the forensic examination take place. We will decide our next course of action only after the truth emerges.” Criticizing the opposition, he suggested that instead of stoking political controversy over such clips, it is better to allow the investigation to proceed. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into the matter. Other leaders of the Mahayuti alliance have also offered various reactions regarding this matter. Shirsat’s statement has, for the time being, quieted the discussion surrounding the '500-crore' audio clip case. Now, all eyes are on the forensic report.