The Maharashtra government will initiate an inquiry into the allegations of bitcoin fraud involving Supriya Sule, Lok Sabha MP and cousin of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Speaking on the issue, Ajit Pawar confirmed that a probe would take place and assured that the truth would be revealed. “An inquiry will be done, and the truth will come in front of the people,” he stated this morning, addressing media questions while campaigning in Baramati. Pawar further remarked on an audio clip circulating, asserting that while he recognizes the voices in the clip, the matter would be cleared through the investigation.
SuPatil alleges that the proceeds from this cryptocurrency transaction were used in election campaigns. These accusations gained further traction when BJP leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi, echoed the claims. Trivedi cited audio recordings in which a dealer allegedly discussed using illegal bitcoin transactions for electoral purposes, naming Sule and Patole as involved figures. He questioned the authenticity of the audio and demanded answers from the Congress party.
The ongoing political tension between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) also adds context to the case. Ajit Pawar, who led a rebellion in 2023 splitting the NCP and aligning himself with the BJP-Shiv Sena government, has been positioned against Supriya Sule, who remains aligned with party patriarch Sharad Pawar. This rivalry is playing out in the current Maharashtra Assembly elections, with both factions vying for public support.
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In response, Supriya Sule has strongly denied the allegations. She dismissed them as baseless, accusing the BJP of spreading false information ahead of elections. Sule challenged the BJP to a public debate, calling the allegations a deliberate attempt to mislead the public. She also stated that her lawyer would file both criminal and civil defamation notices against Sudhanshu Trivedi. Sule has made it clear that she is willing to answer any questions and has filed complaints with the Election Commission and Pune’s Cyber Cell over the issue.
The developments mark a high-stakes political battle as the investigation unfolds, with both parties in Maharashtra using the issue to rally support ahead of the state elections.
