A political storm erupted in Maharashtra on polling day as former IPS officer Ravindranath Patil accused NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule and Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole of using proceeds from a bitcoin scam to fund elections. The allegations have sparked intense controversy, escalating into a full-fledged political battle.

Supriya Sule Denies Allegations  

Responding to the charges, Supriya Sule categorically denied any involvement, calling the accusations baseless. Speaking to ANI, she said, “I have filed defamation and criminal cases. I am ready to answer his (Sudhanshu Trivedi’s) five questions anywhere, anytime, on any platform. These allegations are entirely false and fabricated.”

Sule also took to X (formerly Twitter), challenging BJP representatives to a public debate. “I deny all allegations leveled against me by Sudhanshu Trivedi. This is pure conjecture and innuendo. I am ready for a debate with any BJP representative at a time and date of their choosing,” she posted.

Ajit Pawar’s Statement

Adding to the controversy, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Sule’s cousin, acknowledged that one of the voices in the purported audio clips presented by Patil sounded like Sule’s. “From the tone in the audio clips, I can identify the voices. One is my sister, and the other is someone I have worked with extensively. An inquiry will be conducted, and the truth will emerge,” he said.

Reacting to Ajit Pawar’s remarks, Sule dismissed his claims, saying, “He is Ajit Pawar; he can say anything. ‘Ram Krishna Hari.'” Despite the allegations, Sule and her family voted in Baramati, projecting confidence.

Allegations by Ravindranath Patil

Patil alleged that Sule and Patole misappropriated bitcoins linked to a 2018 cryptocurrency fraud case and used them to finance the Maharashtra assembly elections. Following his claims, the BJP released purported voice notes implicating Sule and Patole in a conspiracy to cash in on the bitcoins for electoral gains.

BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi called the allegations a revelation that “unmasked” the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). He demanded responses from the Congress and Sule, accusing them of exploiting illegal funds to manipulate the electoral process.

Sule’s Counteractions  

Sule dismissed the claims as familiar tactics aimed at misleading voters on the eve of elections. She filed complaints with the Election Commission of India and Maharashtra’s cybercrime department against Patil and Gaurav Mehta, a witness in the 2018 bitcoin fraud case. Sule also announced plans to issue criminal and civil defamation notices against Sudhanshu Trivedi for making “outrightly false allegations.”

On X, Sule wrote, “It’s appalling that Mr. Sudhanshu Trivedi makes such baseless allegations. My lawyer will issue criminal and civil defamation notices against him for attempting to deceive the public with falsehoods.”

Broader Implications  

The controversy, fueled by audio clips, allegations of misappropriation, and counterclaims, has intensified the political climate in Maharashtra. While the BJP presses for accountability, Sule and her party maintain that the allegations are fabricated to mislead voters ahead of the elections. An official investigation is expected to follow, with political ramifications potentially impacting all parties involved.