Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Jul 11: Maharashtra's social justice minister Sanjay Shirsat has courted controversy after a viral video allegedly showed him smoking in a private room with a suspicious bag, believed to be filled with cash, placed beside him. The clip emerged just a day after the minister confirmed receiving an Income Tax notice over a spike in his assets between 2019 and 2024.
The video was posted by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, who launched a scathing attack on the ruling alliance. “I feel pity for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis! How many more times will he just sit and watch his reputation being torn to shreds?” Raut wrote on social media.
Shirsat, who represents Aurangabad (West) and belongs to Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction, denied the cash allegations. “The bag beside me in the video contained only clothes,” he clarified, stating that he would respond appropriately to the Income Tax notice.
He acknowledged that a complaint had been filed against him, prompting the IT Department to seek an explanation. “I’ve requested more time to reply. Nothing illegal has been done,” Shirsat added.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray also took a jab at the minister, highlighting the visual evidence from the clip. “We talk of ‘50 Khokhe, Ekdum Okay’ — now the khokas (cash boxes) are seen in the video. Where did the money come from? Will the IT Department or the CM take action?” he questioned.
Shirsat further stirred confusion by initially claiming that Shrikant Shinde, MP and son of deputy CM Eknath Shinde, had received a similar notice. He later retracted, saying it was a miscommunication.
Adding to the controversy, another video surfaced this week showing Shirsat joking at an event in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: “Black money is no longer useful. I am speaking for myself,” he quipped, drawing laughter. The minister later defended his remark as a lighthearted comment, not an admission of guilt.
As the political heat intensifies, all eyes are now on the Income Tax Department’s next move and the response from the state government.
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