Maharashtra Political Scandal: UBT Leader Exposes Alleged Cash Corruption in Shinde Faction

Mumbai:

The typically procedural winter session of the Maharashtra Assembly unexpectedly erupted into political controversy on its second day when former Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council and UBT leader Ambadas Danve released what opposition members are describing as a "cash bomb".

Danve shared a video on X platform allegedly showing Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena's Alibaug MLA on a video call with someone sorting through substantial bundles of cash.

In his statement to NDTV, Danve clarified, "I do not have any enmity with him, my problem is with the idea of corruption."

He further highlighted the discrepancy between government promises and actions, noting that while more than Rs 31,000 crore in relief was promised to rain-affected farmers, very few received assistance. Danve referenced Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's acknowledgment of the state's strained financial condition.

"They claim that the state does not have money for the loan waiver. Then how do their MLAs have such a huge amount of cash?" he questioned.

MLA Mahendra Dalvi countered these allegations as unfounded, suggesting Danve should release the complete video. "Blackmailing people is the new business of Ambadas Danve," Dalvi retorted, questioning why Danve wouldn't provide more information about the individual handling the cash.

Minister Sanjay Shirsath also came to Dalvi's defense, alleging the video was AI-generated and accusing Danve of making empty challenges.

This incident is not isolated, as multiple Shinde Sena leaders have faced similar allegations regarding questionable financial activities over the past year. Senior minister Sanjay Shirsath, MP Sandipan Bhumre, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, and Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam have all encountered opposition criticism over alleged improper cash dealings.

Adding to the controversy, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's Mumbai chief Sandeep Deshpande has made comparable accusations against the Public Works Department.

Deshpande released footage showing an individual with large cash bundles, claiming this person is a branch engineer from Haffkine. "The government is supposed to pay for the work, and yet he is seen taking money," Deshpande stated, suggesting such transactions are common in the PWD.

Calling for an official investigation, he urged authorities to "cross-check the bills with the actual work on the ground" and indicated his party would release additional similar videos in coming days.