Maharashtra – A major political controversy has erupted in Maharashtra after a video surfaced online showing Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat in a private room with what appears to be a bag filled with cash beside him. The timing of this video’s release has intensified scrutiny, coming just one day after Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat confirmed receiving an income tax notice regarding a significant increase in his assets between the 2019 and 2024 Assembly elections.
The viral footage has sent shockwaves through the state’s political landscape, with opposition parties demanding immediate action from the ruling alliance. The video shows Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat smoking in what appears to be a private setting, with a suspicious bag positioned nearby that critics allege contains cash.
Opposition Launches Scathing Attack
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut shared the controversial video on social media platforms, launching a fierce attack on the ruling alliance. In his pointed criticism, Raut targeted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directly, writing: “I feel pity for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis! How many more times will he just sit and watch his reputation being torn to shreds? Helplessness has another name – Fadnavis!”
The opposition’s strategy appears focused on using this incident to question the integrity of the entire ruling coalition. Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat has become the focal point of broader allegations about corruption within the state government.
Minister’s Defense and Explanations
Responding to the mounting criticism, Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat vehemently denied the allegations surrounding the bag’s contents. The Social Justice Minister maintained that the bag visible in the video contained clothes, not cash as claimed by his political opponents. Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat represents the Aurangabad (West) constituency and belongs to the Shiv Sena faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Regarding the income tax notice, Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat confirmed receiving official communication from the Income Tax Department seeking clarification about the growth of his personal assets over the past five years. He explained that complaints filed against him had prompted the department to issue the notice, adding: “Some people had filed a complaint against me with the income-tax department, based on which I was issued a notice. I was supposed to respond to it on Wednesday, but requested for more time. I will give a proper response. Nothing wrong has been done.”
Aaditya Thackeray Joins the Chorus
The controversy intensified when Aaditya Thackeray, another prominent opposition figure, joined the attack on Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat. Thackeray raised several pointed questions about the video and its implications, urging both the tax department and Chief Minister Fadnavis to take decisive action.
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“Today, it’s Sanjay Sirsat, 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? Can anyone just roam around carrying such wads of notes?” Thackeray questioned.
He further demanded answers about the income tax notice received by Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat the previous day, asking whether the IT department would take any action and if the Chief Minister would order appropriate measures.
Confusion Over Additional Notices
The situation became more complicated when Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat initially claimed that Shrikant Shinde, Lok Sabha MP and son of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, had also received a similar income tax notice. However, he later retracted this statement, clarifying his position to avoid further controversy.
“Someone asked me a leading question… My response was presented as if I was confirming a notice to Shrikant Shinde. I want to clarify that I have no information about that,” Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat stated, attempting to contain the damage from his earlier remarks.
Controversial Public Comments
Adding fuel to the fire, another video clip surfaced showing Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat speaking at an event in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, where he appeared to make light of the entire situation. In this footage, the minister made several remarks that opposition parties interpreted as admissions of wrongdoing.
“Now, black money is not going to be useful. I am speaking for myself,” Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat was heard saying to the audience. He continued with what many perceived as problematic commentary: “It is easy to earn money, but using it has become difficult,” drawing laughter from those present.
Damage Control Efforts
Recognizing the potential impact of his public comments, Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat attempted to downplay the significance of his remarks. He insisted that his comments were intended humorously and should not be interpreted as admissions of any wrongdoing or illegal activity.
The minister also mentioned that he had already contacted his chartered accountant and was preparing a detailed response to the income tax notice. This preparation suggests that Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat is taking the official inquiry seriously, despite his public attempts to minimize the controversy.
Political Implications
This controversy has broader implications for Maharashtra’s political landscape, particularly affecting the ruling coalition’s credibility. The timing of the video’s release, coinciding with the tax notice, has created a perfect storm of negative publicity for the government.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between different Shiv Sena factions and their willingness to use such controversies for political advantage. For Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat, this represents a significant challenge to his political career and reputation within the party hierarchy.
Concluding Statement
The cash bag controversy involving Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat continues to dominate political discourse in Maharashtra. As the minister prepares his response to the income tax notice and the opposition maintains pressure for action, this incident serves as a reminder of the scrutiny facing public officials and the power of social media in modern political accountability.
