A political controversy has emerged in Maharashtra involving allegations of digital manipulation. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has formally accused Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut of fabricating an audio clip using artificial intelligence. The clip in question allegedly suggests that a ₹500 crore payout was offered to Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange to influence his political stance.

Sanjay Raut has vehemently denied the BJP’s claims of forgery. Instead, he maintains that the audio recording is authentic and alleges that it was originally leaked by a member of the BJP Legislative Council (MLC). The dispute centers on the legitimacy of the audio evidence and the motivations behind its circulation. While the BJP characterizes the audio as a deceptive tool intended to damage their reputation, Raut frames the release of the clip as a revelation of internal political maneuvering. As of now, neither side has provided independent forensic verification of the audio file to the public, leaving the authenticity of the recording as the primary point of contention between the two parties.