Shiv Sena Leader Releases Video Alleging Cash Stash with Maharashtra Minister

NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has ignited a fresh political storm after sharing a video on social media platform X, allegedly showing Maharashtra minister Sanjay Shirsat sitting next to a bag of cash. The video, which has gone viral, has raised questions about the minister's integrity and the political climate in the state.

In the video shared by Raut, Shirsat is seen sitting on a bed with a bag beside him, which Raut claims contains a significant amount of cash. Addressing the issue on X, Raut expressed his disappointment with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, stating, “I feel sorry for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis! How much more public humiliation of his dignity will he continue to watch in silence? Helplessness is another name for Fadnavis!”

Raut further emphasized the gravity of the situation by calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to take notice. “This thrilling video should be watched by the esteemed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah! What on earth is happening in the country! This video of a Maharashtra minister says a lot,” he added.

Reacting to the viral video, Aditya Thackeray, a prominent political figure, questioned the actions of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. “Today, it's Sanjay Shirsat, sitting in his vest and underwear. We talk about 'Khokhe' (boxes of cash), '50 Khokhe, Ekdum Okay', one is clearly seen in the video. All these antics happening in just vests and undergarments, bags full of cash beside him, where did all this money come from? Who gave it?” Aditya questioned.

He also raised concerns about the legal implications and the role of the Income Tax department. “Can anyone just roam around carrying such wads of notes? And regarding the Income Tax notice that came the day before, will the IT department take any action? Will any action be taken on the orders of the Chief Minister or not? These are important questions that need answers,” he added.

Responding to the allegations, Minister Shirsat dismissed the video as a well-thought-out conspiracy. “I had returned from travelling and was sitting in my bedroom after changing clothes. My dog was with me... It seems that someone recorded the video at that time,” Shirsat told reporters. He further stated that the bag contained only clothes and not cash, adding, “Had there been money, I would have kept it in the cupboard. There were clothes in it.”

Shirsat also hinted at a possible agent among his workers and vowed to respond to the conspiracy. “This is a well-thought-out conspiracy. I am sitting comfortably in my house, and my dog is sitting as well. Someone has recorded a video of this, which suggests they were spying on us... We are such people that anyone who visits our home eats food and drinks tea. It is our responsibility to supervise the workers. There might be an agent among them, but we do not worry about it, nor have we ever seen anything suspicious... Have you seen someone living in the house openly sitting beside money? This is unusual. But we will definitely respond to this conspiracy,” he told news agency ANI.

This incident comes days after another Shiv Sena MLA, Sanjay Gaikwad, was involved in a controversial incident where he punched a canteen worker for allegedly serving him stale food. Gaikwad expressed no regret over the incident and vowed to repeat it if the food quality does not improve. His comments targeting the Shetty community, claiming they are “ruining the culture of Maharashtra,” further fueled the controversy.

The incident drew widespread condemnation from the opposition and even from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his party chief, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The series of events has highlighted the growing tensions and allegations of misconduct within the political landscape of Maharashtra.