New Delhi: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar acknowledged on Wednesday that the voices in the alleged audio clips, which were released by the BJP and attributed to Supriya Sule, belong to her. The clips accuse Sule of engaging in illegal bitcoin activities to fund the Maharashtra assembly elections. Pawar said, “I can figure out from their tone,” while addressing reporters after casting his vote from the Baramati constituency.
However, Sule, dismissing the allegations, retorted, “He is Ajit Pawar, he can say anything.”
BJP’s Allegations
The BJP released audio clips on Tuesday claiming that Supriya Sule, a senior leader of the NCP, and Nana Patole, the Maharashtra Congress president, were involved in illegal bitcoin transactions to finance their Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) poll campaign.
In one of the clips, BJP alleged Sule told Gaurav Mehta, an employee of the audit firm Sarathi Associates:
“Need cash in exchange of bitcoins… You need not worry about inquiry… We will handle it when we come to power…”
The BJP tied these allegations to accusations made by Ravindranath Patil, a former IPS officer, who claimed that bitcoins from a 2018 cryptocurrency fraud case were used to fund the elections.
Sule’s Response
Sule has categorically denied the allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. She filed complaints with the Election Commission and Maharashtra Police’s cybercrime cell, accusing Ravindranath Patil and Gaurav Mehta of spreading false and defamatory information. Sule urged authorities to register an FIR against them, emphasizing that the allegations are intended to tarnish her image ahead of the elections.
Ajit Pawar’s Take
While confirming the authenticity of the voices, Ajit Pawar maintained that an inquiry will clarify the matter. He stated, “An inquiry will be done, and everything will be clear.” Despite his confirmation, Pawar refrained from commenting on the allegations of illegal activity.
Political Implications
The controversy comes at a critical time during the Maharashtra assembly elections, with all major parties vying for dominance. The BJP’s release of these audio clips has escalated tensions, with the MVA coalition—comprising the NCP, Congress, and Shiv Sena factions—under fire.
The accusations, if proven, could have significant ramifications for the MVA, while the BJP aims to use them to its advantage in swaying voters. However, Sule’s swift response and legal action indicate the seriousness with which the MVA is countering these claims.
What’s Next?
With an inquiry promised by Ajit Pawar and ongoing complaints filed by Sule, the matter is likely to unfold further in the coming days. Whether these allegations hold merit or are dismissed as politically motivated tactics remains to be seen, but the controversy has undoubtedly added fuel to an already heated electoral battle.
