The political landscape in Maharashtra witnessed heated exchanges as Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Supriya Sule refuted allegations of using funds from a Bitcoin scam to finance elections. The accusations, leveled by former IPS officer Ravindranath Patil, also implicated Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole. The controversy intensified with purported audio clips claiming to involve Sule, leading to a war of words between parties.
Sule categorically denied the allegations, terming them baseless. Speaking to ANI, she asserted, “I have filed both criminal and civil defamation cases. I am ready to answer any BJP representative on any platform. These claims are fabricated and politically motivated.” She also lodged complaints with the Election Commission and Maharashtra’s cybercrime department, calling for a probe into the individuals spreading misinformation.
Adding to the dispute, her cousin and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar admitted he could recognize Sule’s voice in the audio clips. He stated, “The voices appear familiar. A proper investigation will reveal the truth.” However, Sule dismissed his remarks, saying, “He can say anything—Ram Krishna Hari.”
The BJP quickly seized the moment, with spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi labeling the development as an exposure of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). “These revelations show how low the opposition can go for political gains,” Trivedi remarked.
On the other hand, Supriya Sule remains resolute. “This is nothing but a strategy to manipulate voters right before the elections,” she stated. Sule emphasized her commitment to transparency, challenging BJP representatives to an open debate.
Political analysts see this as another chapter in Maharashtra’s turbulent political scene, especially after Ajit Pawar’s rebellion earlier this year, which split the NCP. Sule, however, remains undeterred, voting with her family in Baramati and reiterating her stance against such “manufactured allegations”