Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Supriya Sule and Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole have filed complaints with the cyber police and the Election Commission of India (ECI) against former IPS officer Ravindranath Patil and the BJP. The complaints come in response to allegations of Bitcoin misappropriation tied to a 2018 cryptocurrency fraud case, reportedly used to fund the ongoing Maharashtra Assembly elections.
Patil accused Sule, a Baramati MP, and Patole of misusing Bitcoins to influence the electoral process. The BJP amplified these claims by releasing voice notes allegedly implicating the two leaders. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi further publicized the allegations in a press conference.
Dismissing the claims, Sule called them baseless and politically motivated. She stated on X, “False information is being spread to manipulate voters a night before polling. We have filed complaints with the ECI and Cybercrime Department against these fabricated allegations.” Sule also challenged the BJP to a public debate to address the accusations. Patole echoed her sentiments, denying the allegations outright.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar acknowledged the audio clips, stating that the voices resembled those of Sule and Patole. However, he assured that a thorough inquiry would reveal the truth. On the other hand, Yugendra Pawar, NCP (SP) candidate and Ajit Pawar’s nephew, defended Sule, expressing disbelief in her involvement.
As the controversy unfolds, it has added tension to the high-stakes Maharashtra Assembly elections, with implications for the credibility of both the accusers and the accused.
